Semarang. Sudaryono, the newly appointed head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), is confronting a mass food poisoning incident linked to the government's Free Nutritious Meals program just nine days after taking office, as authorities investigate the latest setback for one of President Prabowo Subianto's flagship initiatives.

More than 700 students and teachers at a public vocational school in Semarang were affected on Friday, with a number requiring hospital treatment.

The incident is the latest in a series of food poisoning cases associated with the nationwide meal program. Since its launch in early 2025, approximately 38,000 beneficiaries have reportedly suffered food poisoning linked primarily to food hygiene and handling problems.

Sudaryono visited three hospitals in Semarang on Saturday to check on students who remained under medical care.

"I came to Semarang in response to reports of suspected food poisoning at SMKN 6 Semarang. Of the more than 700 people affected, most were treated as outpatients, while 13 required treatment at hospitals or community health centers. Thankfully, those we visited are recovering," he said in a statement.

According to the BGN's preliminary investigation, the incident may have been caused by two factors: the quality of certain food ingredients and meals being prepared too far in advance before distribution to students.

Samples of several ingredients, including cassava leaves and rendang seasoning, have been sent to the Semarang Health Office for laboratory testing.

"Our preliminary findings indicate that several ingredients, including cassava leaves and the rendang seasoning, are being analyzed by the Health Office. We expect the laboratory results within five to seven working days," Sudaryono said.

"At the same time, there is a strong indication that the meals were cooked much earlier than they should have been."

The kitchen responsible for supplying the meals has been suspended while the agency conducts a comprehensive review of the entire food supply chain.

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