Post by : Shakul

Indonesia’s Badan Gizi Nasional (BGN) has reiterated that food safety and balanced nutrition remain the highest priorities of the government’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program after a video of a partial meal went viral online.

The viral footage, showing a school meal in Pamekasan District, East Java, featuring marinated catfish and tempeh, sparked concern among some parents and educators who feared the food was unsafe or inadequately prepared.

BGN Deputy Head Nanik Sudaryati Deyang responded to the controversy by saying that the menu shown in the video did not represent the full meal package prepared for students. According to field reports from the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), the complete meal included marinated catfish, braised tofu and tempeh, pizza bread, boiled eggs, full‑cream milk, and dragon fruit — designed to meet nutritional and safety standards.

Officials explained that only a portion of the food was visible in the video because the school declined to remove the meal boxes from the delivery vehicle for filming. BGN stressed that every MBG menu is planned based on balanced nutrition requirements and national food safety protocols, and any issues raised by communities will be addressed through coordination and evaluation.

Nutritionist Fikri Kuttawakil of the SPPG Pamekasan Pademawu Buddagan unit said marinated catfish was included to boost protein intake and preserve nutrients, with the marinading process also helping the fish remain fresh for a longer period.

The MBG program, which aims to provide free, nutritious meals to schoolchildren and other beneficiaries across Indonesia, has previously drawn attention as authorities work to ensure consistent food quality and safety in line with national health objectives.

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