Indonesia enforces 'zero defect' policy for free meal program

Jakarta (ANTARA) - National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Head Dadan Hindayana said the Free Nutritional Meals (MBG) program has adopted a strict “zero defect” policy, inspired by the rigorous health control measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Monday evening (Oct. 20), Hindayana said the policy aims to ensure that every meal served to students is safe, nutritious, and free from health risks. “We are working to equip all Nutrition Kitchen Service Units (SPPGs) with rapid test kits to examine food ingredients. Japan’s century-long experience in nutrition shows that 90 percent of digestive disorders stem from the quality of raw materials,” he said. Hindayana explained that BGN has established new standards for SPPGs, setting their average capacity at 2,000 to 2,500 children, expandable to 3,000 when staffed by certified cooks. “We are also requesting professional chefs to mentor new SPPGs for five days, and if ...