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View all search resultsLab tests reveal E. coli contamination in free meals that sickened 800 students
BGN head Dadan Hindayana said the agency aims to eliminate food poisoning incidents entirely this year. However, he acknowledged that since the start of 2025 there have already been 10 food poisoning incidents nationwide, caused by violations of standard operating procedures by the kitchens that prepare the meals.
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Students pray on Oct. 30, 2025, before eating lunches supplied by the government's free nutritious meal program at an elementary school in Banda Aceh, Aceh. (AFP/Chaideer Mahyuddin)
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aboratory tests have confirmed E. coli contamination in food and water served under the free nutritious meal program that sickened more than 800 students in Grobogan, Central Java earlier this month.
Grobogan Health Agency head Djatmiko said the bacteria were found in yellow rice, omelets, lettuce, cucumber and tempeh chips served to students.
“Tests also revealed E. coli contamination in the water used to cook the food. We will continue to investigate the case further,” he said on Monday, as quoted by Kompas.com.
E. coli is a type of bacteria normally found in the intestines of humans and animals. It is commonly transmitted through contaminated food, water or contact with infected animals, and outbreaks are often linked to undercooked meat, raw vegetables or unsafe water sources.
Read also: 1,000 students fall ill after consuming free meals
Djatmiko warned that contaminated food can cause digestive infections, with symptoms including abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever.
“Children, the elderly and people with weak immune systems are particularly at risk,” he added.
