Indonesia Links Free Meal Program Food Poisoning Cases to Oversight Gaps

Indonesia’s food safety agency has reported that insufficient oversight in a government-backed free meal initiative contributed to recent cases of food poisoning. The program, designed to provide nutritional support to schoolchildren and low-income families, came under scrutiny after several recipients fell ill.

Officials said early investigations revealed lapses in food handling, storage, and supplier monitoring. While the majority of those affected experienced only mild symptoms, the incidents have prompted calls for stricter quality checks and stronger enforcement of safety standards.

The free meal initiative is a cornerstone of Jakarta’s efforts to address malnutrition and hunger, but the agency stressed that maintaining public trust requires immediate reforms. Authorities are now reviewing supplier contracts and introducing new guidelines to prevent further incidents.

The government has vowed to restore confidence in the program, emphasizing its importance in supporting vulnerable communities across the country.