Jakarta, Sep 04 (V7N)- Nearly 2,000 students and teachers in Indonesia have reportedly fallen seriously ill within three days after consuming food provided under the government's free meal program.
Central Java has been the worst-affected region, with at least 777 people reportedly suffering from food poisoning. The affected students and teachers developed severe diarrhea, stomach pain and persistent vomiting. Many were taken to local hospitals after their conditions deteriorated.
According to health authorities, grilled chicken was among the food items served to students. Subsequent laboratory tests and inspections by food safety officials reportedly found that the food had spoiled and contained harmful bacteria.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over Indonesia's ambitious free meal program, under which similar cases of illness have been reported at schools across the country.
The multi-billion-dollar initiative was officially launched last year by President Prabowo Subianto with the aim of tackling malnutrition and improving the health and nutritional well-being of millions of underprivileged children.
However, the program has faced criticism since its launch over alleged mismanagement in food safety and concerns about corruption and weaknesses in the supply chain.
The latest food poisoning cases are likely to intensify calls for stricter quality control, greater transparency and stronger monitoring of food suppliers involved in the nationwide program.
END/SMA/AJ
