RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has affirmed the importance of food safety in the implementation of the government’s Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG).

The agency highlighted that nutritional interventions must also ensure safe food handling to prevent health risks.

The message was conveyed during a webinar titled “Public Health Strategies to Ensure Nutrition and Prevent Food Poisoning” held at Jakarta on March 5, 2026. Head of the Center for Public Health and Nutrition Research, Wahyu Puji Nugraheni, said food safety and nutrition are closely linked in efforts to improve public health outcomes.

“Food safety and nutrition fulfillment are two issues that cannot be separated in public health development,” she said.

According to her, programs such as the Free Nutritious Meals initiative aim to improve the nutritional status of the population and support the development of a healthier generation. However, she stressed that food safety must remain a top priority so the program can deliver its benefits without causing unintended health risks.

“Food safety must be a priority so that the program’s benefits can be optimally felt without creating health risks such as food poisoning,” she said.

Through discussions with researchers and experts, BRIN hopes to produce evidence-based recommendations. These recommendations are expected to strengthen policies and the implementation of safe and sustainable nutrition programs in Indonesia.