Dozens of Children in Bireuen Suspected of Being Poisoned by Free Nutritional Meals (MBG)

Forty-five preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school children in Simpang Mamplan, Bireuen Regency, Aceh (Indonesia) who are suspected of being poisoned by free nutritious meals consumed a menu consisting of meatballs, milk cartons, cakes, dates, boiled eggs, tempeh crackers, bananas, and cakes.

Although information circulated on social media suggesting the meatballs were the cause of the poisoning, there has been no official statement from the relevant authorities.

The Regent of Bireuen, H. Mukhlis, stated that he has not received any reports regarding the source of the food that caused the dozens of children's poisoning. He has reminded the SPPG management to ensure the food prepared is truly nutritious and safe for consumption.

"We have reminded the management to continue strict supervision. We will also go with the Police Chief to the MBG kitchen," said Regent Mukhlis, who immediately went to the community health center after learning of the food poisoning victims on Thursday night.

Regarding the victims' medical expenses, according to Mukhlis, all costs are covered by the government. As of Friday, February 27, 2026, at 4:00 PM WIB, many victims had returned home after being declared healthy.

The Regent urged the MBG coordinators to continue to monitor closely, and if this incident recurs, they will face legal action.

Jauhari Hasballah (51), a resident of Gampong Meunasah Daya, Simpang Mamplam, said his son, Muhammad Khairil Rizami (7), ate the MBG menu at 5:00 PM WIB. "The menu was eaten when breaking the fast," said Jauhari at the Simpang Mamplam Community Health Center.

He added that he did not experience any symptoms after consuming the MBG food. However, while sleeping, around 9:30 PM, his son experienced vomiting and diarrhea.

For initial treatment, Jauhari gave him a mixture of sugar and salt, but the diarrhea and vomiting did not subside. "Then you rushed to the Community Health Center's emergency room," Jauhari said.

M Zubir (32), a resident of Krueng Meusegop, Simpang Mamplam, Bireuen, expressed a similar sentiment. His two children, Muhammad Alfatih (7), a first-grade student at Krueng Meusegop Elementary School, and his younger sister, Aimmatul Niswah (4), were also victims of MBG food poisoning.

The food was also consumed after breaking the fast. Two hours later, both children immediately vomited and had diarrhea. Zubir then went to the pharmacy to buy medicine. After taking it, it didn't work, so we took them to the Simpang Mamplam Community Health Center.

When I arrived at the community health center, I saw many other victims," ​​said Zubir.[]