Over 500 fall ill in Indonesia amid suspected school meal poisoning

Officials in Indonesia have launched an urgent investigation into a mass food poisoning incident centred on a free meal initiative at schools, with the number of those falling ill exceeding 500 people. The outbreak has prompted swift action from health and education authorities seeking to identify the contaminated food item and its source.

Students and school staff reported symptoms consistent with food poisoning after consuming meals provided under the government's subsidised school feeding programme. The incident has raised fresh concerns about food safety protocols in institutional food preparation and distribution systems across the country's education sector.

Health officials have collected samples from suspected food sources and are conducting laboratory tests to confirm the causative agent and pinpoint the specific contamination. The investigation is also examining storage conditions, preparation procedures, and hygiene standards at the facilities involved in meal production and service.

Authorities have urged schools to remain vigilant and implement enhanced food safety measures while the investigation continues. Officials have advised affected individuals to seek medical attention, with most cases reported as manageable through supportive care. The incident underscores ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety standards within large-scale institutional meal programmes.