The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) will require each food container in the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG) to display a consumption deadline starting next week. The policy is being implemented as an effort to strengthen food safety in the programme's implementation in schools.
BGN Head Sudaryono explained that the consumption deadline information will serve as a marker for teachers and students to ensure food is consumed in safe conditions. He requested that teachers ensure food is not consumed if it has exceeded the deadline indicated on the container, for both teachers and students.
According to Sudaryono, prepared MBG food has a safe consumption window because it does not use preservatives and is prepared as fresh food. Generally, MBG food can be safely consumed for a maximum of four hours after preparation to ensure the food remains safe for consumption.
In addition to setting consumption deadlines, Sudaryono also requested that students not take home MBG meals and ensure food is consumed directly at school according to the designated time. This appeal is related to the food safety risk if food is stored and consumed again at home after the safe consumption window has passed.
Sudaryono said the practice of taking MBG meals home has been one of the factors causing food poisoning cases at several locations. These cases have been experienced not only by students but also by parents who consumed food brought home from school.
