INFOKU, BLORA – It has been almost two weeks since the alleged Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) poisoning incident that befell 19 students at Sendangrejo State Elementary School.
However, the exact cause of the incident is still a question mark.
The Blora Regency Government has not yet dared to conclude the source of the poisoning, because the results of laboratory tests are now completely in the hands of the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM).
Also read: 19 Blora Students Suspected of MBG Poisoning, MBG Menu Samples Sent to BPOM
Previously, food samples from the Bogowanti Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) kitchen were to be examined by the Blora Regency Health Laboratory UPT.
However, the process was then taken over by BPOM, which immediately conducted an investigation.
Head of the Blora Health Service (Dinkes), Edi Widayat, said that his party is now only waiting for the official results from BPOM.
Because, this institution has higher authority in conducting food safety testing.
"Initially, the Regional Health Laboratory conducted the examination. However, after the BPOM (National Agency of Drug and Food Control) arrived, the entire laboratory testing process was handed over to them," he told the press yesterday (August 3).
According to Edi, the Blora Health Office has not yet received the examination results.
Therefore, the local government has not been able to confirm whether the suspected poisoning was triggered by food, drinks, processing, or other factors.
"There hasn't been a report on the laboratory test results from the BPOM. We're still waiting, and that will be the basis for drawing conclusions," he said.
The laboratory results will also serve as a basis for local governments to determine evaluation measures for MBG's kitchen operations to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
Also read: Even though the Bogowanti SPPG uses subsidized cooking oil, why is it only recommended?
As reported, as many as 19 students from Sendangrejo State Elementary School, Ngawen District, experienced symptoms of poisoning after consuming the MBG menu on Tuesday (21/7).
The students underwent treatment at the Ngawen Community Health Center after complaining of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
The menu served at that time consisted of rice, whole eggs, mixed nuts with tempeh, grapes, and chocolate-flavored milk cartons.
After the incident, the Blora Health Office team immediately conducted a thorough inspection of the Bogowanti SPPG kitchen.
Head of the Sub-Coordinator for Environmental Health, Occupational Health, and Sports at the Blora Regional Health Office, Tutik Rahayu, said that inspections were carried out on storage warehouses, food distribution channels, processing processes, and the cleanliness of the ompreng used to package food.
"We also took food samples for laboratory testing. We are now awaiting official results from the BPOM," he concluded. (Endah/ IST )
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