The National Nutrition Agency (BGN), in cooperation with several stakeholders including the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM), has launched an investigation into allegations that food trays used in the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program contain pork-derived fat.

“In response to the suspected presence of pork fat in the food trays, we have taken immediate measures. The BGN chief has instructed a thorough examination of the matter, as it directly concerns public welfare,” Deputy Secretary for Systems and Governance at BGN, Ermia Sofiyessi, said during a National Gathering of The Indonesian Association of Nutritious Food Entrepreneurs (Gapembi) in Jakarta on Monday, September 8, 2025.

To ensure safety and compliance, BGN has enforced the use of specific stainless steel materials types 201 and 304 for the MBG trays. These materials are widely accepted for food-grade applications due to their iron, chromium, and nickel content in safe proportions.

“BGN has mandated the use of stainless steel 304 or 201. However, in practice, stainless steel 304 is the one most widely recognized as food grade,” Ermia cited.

As part of its procurement policy, BGN is also prioritizing the use of locally manufactured trays, targeting a Local Content (TKDN) of 40 percent.

“Our current policy emphasizes fulfilling domestic production capacity first. If domestic supply falls short, only then will the remaining demand be met through imports,” she said.

The agency is also working to address recent cases of food poisoning linked to the MBG program. According to Ermia, BGN has been actively conducting outreach and training efforts to improve governance, including collaboration with the Gapembi, which oversees partner organizations managing MBG kitchens (SPPG).

“These are the kinds of issues that demand stronger governance. The synergy among stakeholders is critical to the sustainability and future development of the MBG program. All policy decisions moving forward will rely heavily on input from these stakeholders,” she said.