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View all search resultsBacterial contamination blamed for food poisoning in N. Sumatra
Laboratory examination found the meals were contaminated by Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus bacteria, filamentous fungi and khamir yeast.
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Pupils carry food dispersed by the free nutritious meal program on Feb. 4, 2026, at state Islamic elementary school Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Negeri Medan in North Sumatra. (Antara/Yudi Manar)
R
esults of tests by North Sumatra Health Laboratory (Labkesda) have confirmed that mass food poisoning cases at schools in Dairi regency two weeks ago were caused by dangerous bacteria contamination of government-provided free nutritious meals.
Dairi Health Agency head Henry Manik said microbiology tests were conducted on the free meals consumed by students from state vocational high schools (SMK) HKBP and Arina in Sidikalang.
He said the meals for SMK HKBP were contaminated by Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus on white rice and filamentous fungi and khamir yeast in chicken curry, while meals for SMK Arina were found to be contaminated by filamentous fungi and khamir yeast, total coliform in bean sprouts and total coliform in flour-coated fried tempeh.
“These bacteria can trigger nausea, vomiting, stomach ache and severe diarrhea,” he said on Tuesday.
Henry said the food contamination was due to the long wait time from the food being cooked to being consumed by students. He said the conditions triggered bacteria growth in the meals. This was exacerbated by storage temperatures and food distribution that did not meet food safety standards.
“Storage and distribution factors are the crucial points. Food not kept at safe temperatures will be vulnerable to contamination,” he said.
Dairi Regent Vickner Sinaga said he had received the report from the Labkesda that the free meals consumed by students at SMK HKBP and Arina were contaminated by bacteria.
