Indonesia Suspends Nearly 2,000 Free-Meal Kitchens

Indonesia has temporarily suspended 1,999 kitchens participating in its Free Nutritious Meals program for failing to register for mandatory hygiene and sanitation certification. The suspended facilities represent roughly 7% of the 27,022 kitchens operating nationwide, and authorities will investigate them before deciding whether further action is necessary. The crackdown follows repeated food-poisoning incidents, including illnesses affecting more than 2,000 students and teachers in several provinces during the previous week. Officials have attributed many cases to improper food storage and delayed meal deliveries, while a lawmaker cited health data indicating that at least 50,000 people had been affected by poisoning linked to the program by Sept. 1. The National Nutrition Agency said compliance with safety standards is non-negotiable as the government works to expand the program while protecting recipients.