Indonesia’s free meals program faces scrutiny after poisoning cases
Nearly 3,500 people reportedly suffered food poisoning after consuming Makan Bergizi Gratis meals between September 1 and 9, 2026.
Thousands of people reportedly fell ill after consuming meals from Indonesia’s nationwide Makan Bergizi Gratis program. Authorities are investigating alleged negligence, while critics have called for the program to be suspended or ended.
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- 3,500people
Nearly 3,500 people reportedly suffered food poisoning after consuming Makan Bergizi Gratis meals between September 1 and 9, 2026.
“nearly 3,500 people, most of them school students, reportedly suffered food poisoning”
- 50,000people
About 50,000 people reportedly fell sick in 560 incidents linked to the program since it began.
“About 50,000 people fell sick across 560 incidents linked to the scheme”
AllegedNorth Sumatra laboratory tests reportedly identified Escherichia coli contamination in food samples from the Karo incident.
“laboratory results that reportedly identified Escherichia coli (E. coli) contamination”