November 21, 2025 | 02:26 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Health Office (Dinkes) of Malang Regency revealed the results of laboratory tests on the free nutritious meal (MBG) samples containing nitrite. The nitrite content triggered nausea among students and two teachers at a Madrasah Tsanawiyah (junior high school) in the region some time ago.
The Head of Health Office in Malang Regency, Wiyanto Wijoyo, stated that based on the results of laboratory tests, nitrite content was found in the tofu menu within the MBG. "The laboratory results found traces of nitrite in the tofu menu. If someone is intolerant, they may experience nausea," said Wiyanto on Friday, November 21, 2025.
According to Wiyanto, the presence of nitrite in the food could be due to the less careful selection of raw materials or improper storage processes.
"Because of the large quantity, such as tofu, which is produced in large quantities, some may have spoiled. It may not be harmful for healthy individuals, but for those who are unwell, it can cause nausea," he added.
The discovery was a result of the follow-up to an investigation conducted by the Malang Regency Government after reports of students and teachers falling ill after consuming MBG on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
Wiyanto mentioned that, apart from containing nitrite, the MBG menu also contained E.coli bacteria. According to Wiyanto, the bacteria were suspected to be present due to contamination from the water used to wash the raw materials.
"Then, there's a little E.coli possibly from the water. However, not from the tofu's water, but from the usual water," he stated.
In response to the findings, Wiyanto followed up with coaching for food handlers at each Nutrition Service Unit/kitchen (SPPG). Wiyanto explained that the coaching mechanism for food handlers includes training and certification for food servers to ensure the safe processing of raw materials for the MBG menu.
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