Suci Fitrah Syari, Henny Sulistiawati, Nia Heriani

Food Poisoning Risk Analysis in the Free Nutritional Meal Program in Educational Units Based on the Risk Governance Framework

Introduction

Food poisoning risk analysis in the free nutritional meal program in educational units based on the risk governance framework. Analyze food poisoning risks in free nutritious meal programs at educational units. Maps vulnerabilities, highlights reactive management, and proposes a model for better food safety.

Abstract

The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program is a national strategic policy to improve the quality of human resources, but its implementation in educational institutions presents food safety risks, particularly food poisoning. Several cases of mass poisoning have occurred, demonstrating that the MBG problem is not merely technical in nature, but rather reflects systemic risks influenced by the interaction between food hazards, student exposure levels, school capacity vulnerabilities, and weaknesses in public policy governance. This study aims to analyze the risk of food poisoning in the MBG program in educational institutions and to map program vulnerabilities in the risk analysis model. The research method used is qualitative based on the Risk governance framework by the International Risk governance Coucil. The analysis is conducted through the stages of pre-risk assessment, risk assessment, risk evaluation, risk management, and risk communication. The results show that the risk of food poisoning in the MBG is still managed reactively, with weak early detection, fragmented roles between actors, limited integration of technical and social data, and low transparency and public participation. Based on these findings, this study produces a Food Poisoning Risk Analysis Model for the MBG Program that is analytical and contextual, based on educational institutions. This model serves as a risk mapping tool to identify critical points of program vulnerability and provides an analytical basis for strengthening food security governance and developing risk-based and sustainable policy mitigation strategies.

Review

This study tackles a critically important and often overlooked issue concerning food safety within national nutritional programs in educational settings. The authors effectively highlight that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program, despite its noble goals, faces significant systemic food poisoning risks that extend far beyond mere technical failures. By employing a qualitative methodology grounded in the International Risk Governance Council's (IRGC) framework, the research aims to deeply analyze these risks and map vulnerabilities, thereby offering a more holistic understanding of the problem. This approach is commendable as it moves beyond a superficial examination, seeking to uncover the intricate interplay between hazards, exposure, institutional capacity, and public policy governance. The findings presented are particularly insightful and concerning, revealing a predominantly reactive management paradigm within the MBG program. Key weaknesses identified include weak early detection mechanisms, fragmented roles among various stakeholders, a significant lack of integration between technical and social data, and insufficient transparency and public participation. These findings underscore the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how food safety risks are perceived and managed within such large-scale social programs. The proposed Food Poisoning Risk Analysis Model, derived from this comprehensive analysis, represents a significant output, offering an analytical and contextual tool specifically tailored for educational institutions to identify critical vulnerabilities. Overall, this research makes a substantial contribution to the fields of public health, food safety, and public policy. The developed risk analysis model serves as a vital risk mapping tool, providing an essential analytical basis for strengthening food security governance. While the abstract emphasizes the model's utility for identification and analytical groundwork, future work could perhaps focus on validating this model through empirical application or pilot studies to demonstrate its practical impact on policy mitigation strategies. This study is highly relevant for policymakers and program implementers, offering actionable insights for developing more proactive, risk-based, and sustainable approaches to ensure the safety and success of national nutritional programs.

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