Investigating MBG Poisoning: Forming a Focused Team, Says Nanik S Deyang

Indonesia Launches Investigation into Widespread School Meal Poisonings

Jakarta, Indonesia – The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) of Indonesia is initiating a comprehensive investigation following a series of poisoning incidents affecting students across the nation. Hundreds of pupils have exhibited symptoms of illness after consuming free nutritional food, commonly known as MBG, distributed in schools.

Investigation Team assembled

Deputy Head of the BGN, Nanik S.Deyang, announced on sunday that a specialized investigation team will be formed. The team will focus on a thorough evaluation of the cases,moving beyond preliminary assessments to ascertain the exact causes of the widespread illness. “Tomorrow we will have a meeting to make this investigation team.So we don’t just offer opinions,” stated Deyang.

The investigation will be spearheaded by a team of chemical experts, who will be dispatched to affected areas to collect samples and conduct on-site analyses. Deyang affirmed her commitment to personally overseeing the field investigations, ensuring a proactive and detailed response.

Affected Regions and Rising Case Numbers

The initial reports of poisoning emerged from Banggai Islands Regency in Central Sulawesi, where, as of Thursday, 251 students from SMA 1 Tinangkung, SMK 1 Tinangkung, SDN Tompudau, SDN Pembina, Siiyong SDN, and MTs Alkhairaat Salakan were reported sick. approximately 90 additional students from MTsN and SMAN in Empang District also presented symptoms consistent with food poisoning on wednesday.

The issue isn’t limited to Central Sulawesi. Authorities are also investigating cases in Maluku, where dozens of elementary school students in Tual city have been affected. Similar incidents have been reported in Garut Regency, West Java, impacting students across elementary, junior high, and high schools.

Government Response and Public Hotline

In response to the escalating crisis, the BGN is establishing a dedicated hotline to allow the public to directly report any suspected cases of food poisoning. “We will make a hotline, a hotline for people to complain if there is poisoning,” explained Nanik. This initiative aims to streamline information gathering and enable a swift response to potential outbreaks. The agency also denies claims of a confidentiality agreement regarding the poisonings, maintaining a commitment to transparency.

Region	Reported Cases (as of 9/21/2025)	Affected Schools (Examples)
Banggai Islands, Central Sulawesi	251+	SMA 1 tinangkung, SDN Tompudau
maluku (Tual City)	Dozens	Local Elementary Schools
Garut Regency, West Java	Hundreds	Elementary, Junior High, high Schools

Did You Know? Food poisoning outbreaks in schools are often linked to improper food handling, storage, or contamination during preparation.

Pro Tip: If you suspect food poisoning, seek immediate medical attention and report the incident to local health authorities.

Understanding Food Poisoning Risks in Schools

School meal programs are vital for ensuring children receive adequate nutrition, but they can also present a risk of foodborne illness if proper safety protocols are not followed. according to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 600 million people worldwide fall ill from contaminated food each year. WHO – Food safety

Common causes of food poisoning include bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Symptoms can range from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe illness requiring hospitalization. effective food safety management systems, including stringent hygiene standards, proper temperature control, and thorough staff training, are crucial to minimizing these risks.

What are your thoughts on the importance of school nutrition programs and food safety? Share your comments below!

What analytical chemistry techniques are essential for identifying contaminants in MBG?

Understanding MBG Poisoning & Its Growing Concern

MBG poisoning, referring to contamination within Methylbenzylguanidine (MBG) based products, is a rapidly emerging concern across multiple industries – notably in the pharmaceutical, supplement, and even certain cosmetic sectors. Nanik S Deyang, a leading expert in chemical safety and regulatory compliance, emphasizes the critical need for a dedicated, focused team to effectively investigate and mitigate the risks associated with this type of contamination. This isn’t simply a quality control issue; it’s a potential public health crisis demanding swift and decisive action. The core problem stems from the potential for MBG to be adulterated with harmful substances during manufacturing or supply chain processes.

The Importance of a Dedicated Inquiry Team

Deyang argues that a prosperous investigation into MBG poisoning requires a multidisciplinary team, moving beyond standard quality assurance protocols. This team should encompass expertise in several key areas:

* Analytical Chemistry: Crucial for identifying and quantifying the contaminant(s) present in the MBG. Techniques like HPLC-MS and GC-MS are essential.

* Supply Chain Management: tracing the MBG back to its origin, identifying potential points of contamination, and assessing supplier qualifications.

* Toxicology: Evaluating the potential health risks associated with the identified contaminant(s) and determining safe exposure levels.

* Regulatory Affairs: Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations (FDA, EMA, etc.) and managing interaction with regulatory bodies.

* Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC): Implementing robust testing protocols and reviewing existing quality control procedures.

* Legal Counsel: Providing guidance on liability, recall procedures, and potential legal ramifications.

Key Steps in Forming Your MBG Poisoning Investigation Team

Building this team isn’t just about assembling individuals; it’s about creating a cohesive unit with clear roles and responsibilities. Here’s a breakdown of essential steps:

1. Identify Core Team Members: Start with internal experts in analytical chemistry, QA/QC, and supply chain.
2. External Consultants: Engage specialized consultants in toxicology and regulatory affairs, particularly if internal expertise is limited.
3. Define Roles & Responsibilities: Clearly outline each team member’s tasks, reporting structure, and decision-making authority.
4. Establish Communication Protocols: Implement regular meetings, shared documentation platforms, and clear communication channels.
5. Resource Allocation: Ensure the team has access to the necessary equipment,software,and funding to conduct a thorough investigation.
6. Training & Education: Provide team members with up-to-date training on MBG contamination, analytical techniques, and relevant regulations.

Analytical Techniques for MBG Contamination detection

Accurate identification of the contaminant is paramount. Several analytical techniques are vital:

* High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS): Highly sensitive for identifying and quantifying a wide range of organic contaminants.

* Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): Effective for volatile and semi-volatile contaminants.

* Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS): Used to detect heavy metal contamination, a potential concern in MBG production.

* Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy: Provides detailed structural details about the contaminant, aiding in its identification.

* Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR): Useful for identifying functional groups present in the contaminant.

Supply Chain Risk Assessment & Mitigation

Tracing the source of contamination is ofen the most challenging aspect of an MBG poisoning investigation. A robust supply chain risk assessment should include:

* Supplier Audits: Conducting thorough audits of MBG suppliers to assess their quality control procedures and manufacturing practices.

* Raw material Testing: Implementing rigorous testing of all incoming raw materials used in MBG production.

* Traceability Systems: Establishing a system to track MBG batches throughout the entire supply chain.

* Geographical Risk Mapping: Identifying regions with a higher risk of contamination based on historical data and regulatory oversight.

* Dual Sourcing: Utilizing multiple suppliers to reduce reliance on a single source and mitigate supply chain disruptions.

Regulatory landscape & Compliance

MBG poisoning investigations must adhere to strict regulatory guidelines. Key considerations include:

* FDA Regulations (US): Compliance with current good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations and reporting requirements.

* EMA Regulations (Europe): Adherence to European Pharmacopoeia standards and reporting obligations.