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View all search resultsCentral Java sets up free meals hotlines after widespread poisoning
As of Oct. 5, Central Java had reported 15 food poisoning outbreaks linked to the government's free meals program, the second-highest number nationwide, behind West Java, which recorded 34 incidents, according to a Health Ministry report.
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Safety alert: A student affected by food poisoning from the free meals program at SMPN 1 Boyolangu state junior high school gets an intravenous infusion on Monday before taken to Campurdarat dr. Karneni Regional General Hospital in Tulungagung, East Java. (Antara/Destyan Sujarwoko)
T
he Central Java administration has launched dedicated hotlines to monitor and respond to cases linked to the government’s free nutritious meal program, following a series of food poisoning outbreaks that have affected more than 2,700 students.
The main hotline, 0811-2622-000, will be operated by the Central Java Health Agency. In addition, health agencies in all 35 regencies across the province are setting up their own dedicated hotlines to handle reports at the local level.
Head of the Central Java Health Agency Yunita Dyah Suminar said the hotline would not be limited to reporting food poisoning cases but would also accommodate other complaints related to the free meal program, such as substandard food or inadequate menus.
"The public can report issues, ask questions, or offer suggestions to help improve the program. We encourage parents and teachers to stay engaged and communicate openly," Yunita said, adding that the hotlines reflected the authorities’ commitment to ensuring the success of the free meals program.
She emphasized that every report received by the Central Java Health Agency would be thoroughly investigated, including inspections of the kitchens and food providers involved.
"If providers fail to make necessary improvements, we will issue formal warnings and report them to the National Nutrition Agency [BGN]," she added.
Since its launch in January, the government’s free meals program has been plagued by a series of food safety incidents.
