Sidoarjo, East Java. At least 567 students and Islamic boarding school students in Sidoarjo, East Java, have received medical treatment after allegedly falling ill from food linked to the government’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.

The affected students include pupils from several schools and students at Manba’ul Hikam Islamic boarding school in Tanggulangin. They were treated at several hospitals in the regency.

According to the latest data received by Beritasatu.com, 567 people had received medical treatment between Tuesday and Thursday morning.

Of the total, 457 patients had been discharged, while 80 remained hospitalized and 30 others were still under observation.

The number of patients could increase, as some MBG recipients who were referred to hospitals on Wednesday afternoon had yet to be included in the latest figures.

More than 30 MBG recipients were reportedly referred to hospitals, including Delta Surya Hospital.

Reni, a parent of one of the affected students, said her child developed several symptoms after receiving an MBG meal consisting of eggs, tempeh, and stir-fried baby corn.

Her child did not eat the vegetables but subsequently experienced dizziness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, Reni said. The child was treated at Notopuro Regional Hospital and has since been discharged.

As of Thursday morning, several MBG recipients remained hospitalized while authorities continued investigating the incident and its possible cause.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) said the safety and health of students remained its top priority in handling the suspected food-safety incident at MTs and MA Manbaul Hikam Putat Islamic schools in Tanggulangin on Tuesday.

Authorities are continuing to monitor the condition of the affected students while awaiting the results of the investigation into the suspected food contamination.

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