Hundreds of students at SMA Negeri 1 Berastagi in Karo, Indonesia, were reportedly affected by suspected food poisoning after consuming meals provided under the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme.
A student, Aldy Prayoga, claimed he noticed an unpleasant smell coming from the meal shortly after opening its container during lunchtime on Thursday.
He said the fish dish smelled rotten, while the sambal and meat tasted sour when he began eating. According to Aldy, meals supplied by the SPPG Sempajaya Nutrition Service Unit had previously been served without any problems involving students or teachers.
“This is the first time something like this has happened. Previously, all the food served to students was safe,” he said.
Aldy began experiencing an itchy throat after eating the meal, followed by dizziness and worsening stomach pain several hours later. Although the symptoms were initially manageable while he was at school, his condition deteriorated after he returned home.
He was subsequently taken to Kabanjahe District Hospital for medical treatment as his abdominal pain became increasingly severe.
The situation prompted teachers to instruct students who had already eaten, as well as those who had yet to consume their meals, to stop taking the MBG food after several students began showing signs of suspected food poisoning.
While receiving treatment at the school’s health unit, Aldy said he also saw several of his schoolmates experiencing more serious symptoms. Some were reportedly suffering from muscle spasms and required further medical assistance.
The incident has raised concerns over the safety of food distributed under the programme, with the affected students and school community now awaiting further investigation into the cause of the suspected contamination.
