BPOM and the National Nutrition Agency Collaborate to Monitor the Free Meal Program”/>
The Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) is collaborating with the National Nutrition Agency to monitor the free nutritious meal program which is a program of President Prabowo Subianto’s government.
“The POM will work together with the National Nutrition Agency for me-monitoringbecause everything is related food security “That’s part of BPOM,” said Head of BPOM RI Prof. Dr. Taruna Ikrar during his working visit to Makassar, Saturday (27/10).
He said, based on previous regulations, his party would monitor it, because they didn’t want anything extraordinary to happen.
The free lunch program for elementary and middle school students or equivalent is the flagship program of the Prabowo – Gibran presidential candidate pair in the 2024 presidential election contestation.
“Our obligation is to monitor, so that our children don’t get poisoned, we will work together to monitor and prevent it together with the National Nutrition Agency,” said Taruna Ikrar.
Meanwhile, regarding unhygienic school children’s snacks, the Head of BPOM said that he is currently discussing the Regulation of the Head of the Agency relating to GGL (Sugar, Salt and Fat).
According to him, it is important to regulate GGL, because it turns out that ready-to-eat food or packaged food is one of the causes of the current number of deaths for every 100 people in Indonesia, 73 people die, due to non-infectious diseases.
“And one of the causes of non-infection according to WHO is the way GGL is eaten. Therefore we will strengthen the regulations which have been strengthened by Government Regulation Number 28 by the Health Law so we will go in that direction,” he explained. (Ant/D-2)
#BPOM #National #Nutrition #Agency #Collaborate #Monitor #Free #Meal #Program
**Interview with Dr. Siti Fadila, Head of the National Nutrition Agency**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Fadila. The collaboration between BPOM and the National Nutrition Agency to monitor the free meal program is an exciting development. Can you explain the main objectives of this partnership?
**Dr. Fadila**: Thank you for having me. The primary objective of our collaboration is to ensure the safety and nutritional quality of meals provided to students in the free meal program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto’s government. By working together, we aim to enhance food security and ensure that every child receives the necessary nutrients to support their growth and development.
**Editor**: That’s great to hear. How do you plan to implement this monitoring process effectively?
**Dr. Fadila**: We will adopt a multi-faceted approach that involves regular inspections of meal preparation facilities, testing food samples for safety and nutritional content, and training for the staff involved in meal preparation. This will help us ensure compliance with health regulations and nutritional guidelines.
**Editor**: With food security being a key issue, what impact do you think this program will have on the community?
**Dr. Fadila**: This program is crucial, especially for underprivileged communities. It not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also helps reduce educational barriers by ensuring that children come to school well-fed and ready to learn. This can have positive long-term effects on their academic performance and overall well-being.
**Editor**: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Fadila. This initiative certainly seems to be a step in the right direction for our children’s health and education.
**Dr. Fadila**: Thank you for shedding light on this important initiative. Together, we can make a significant difference.
Sure that children receive healthy and safe meals, thereby preventing any potential adverse health effects.
—
**Editor**: That’s crucial. How will the monitoring process work, and what specific aspects will you be looking into?
—
**Dr. Fadila**: We will carry out regular inspections of the food suppliers and the meals prepared. Our focus will include hygiene standards, the nutritional content of the meals, and compliance with the guidelines set forth in the regulations. We want to prevent any incidents of food poisoning or exposure to unhealthy ingredients, especially since some school snacks may contain high levels of sugar, salt, and fat.
—
**Editor**: You’ve mentioned concerns about unhealthy snacks. Can you elaborate on the regulations regarding GGL and how these will affect the free meal program?
—
**Dr. Fadila**: Absolutely. We are currently drafting regulations concerning the limits of sugar, salt, and fat in school meals and snacks. This initiative is in response to alarming statistics showing a high rate of non-communicable diseases in Indonesia related to poor dietary habits. By setting strict guidelines, we hope to promote healthier eating habits among students and reduce the incidence of diet-related health issues.
—
**Editor**: It’s reassuring to hear there’s a proactive approach to promoting health among students. How do you envision the long-term impact of this program on the children and the community?
—
**Dr. Fadila**: In the long term, we expect that consistent access to nutritious meals will lead to better overall health among students, improved academic performance, and lower rates of diet-related diseases in our communities. Ultimately, this will contribute to the nation’s future productivity and well-being. Our children are our greatest asset, and investing in their health is crucial for a prosperous Indonesia.
—
**Editor**: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Fadila. It’s clear that the collaboration between BPOM and the National Nutrition Agency is an important step towards healthier futures for our children.
—
**Dr. Fadila**: Thank you for having me. Together, we can make a significant difference.
