The alleged use of lard oil in trays for the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) is an essential warning that food packaging should not be ignored. Although the BPJPH halal certification requirement for packaging will only fully take effect in October 2026, this finding indicates that risks to safety and halal certification are already real. For LPPOM, early preparation is key to protecting consumers.Â
The government-initiated Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) holds great promise for improving the nutrition of Indonesian children. With a target of reaching 82.9 million students and a budget of IDR 116.6 trillion, this program is designed to strengthen the quality of the younger generation.
However, public attention is now focused not only on the nutritional content of food but also on food packaging, especially trays. Following the rise of allegations of the use of lard in the production process, this issue has become even more sensitive, as trays play a crucial role in ensuring the halal status of products that come into direct contact with food.
The spotlight has intensified after allegations emerged of the use of pork fat as an industrial lubricant in the production of MBG trays. Scientifically, the use of animal-based oils in the packaging industry is possible. This finding serves as an important warning that food packaging should not be taken lightly, as halal and safety risks can arise from this point.
The regulations regarding this matter are actually clear. Government Regulation (PP) Number 42 of 2024 stipulates that food packaging that comes into direct contact with food must be halal certified. This provision applies to both local and imported products, with full implementation starting in October 2026. This means there is still time for producers and importers to prepare. However, the MBG tray case proves that waiting until that deadline is not a wise choice, as the risks are already evident in the field.
As reported by indonesiabusinesspost.com, an Indonesia Business Post (IBP) investigation in the Chaoshan industrial area, Guangdong, China, a tray production center for the global market, revealed indications of the use of non-food-grade materials. Furthermore, there are allegations of the use of pork fat-based industrial lubricants in the tray production process.
Ironically, of the thousands of trays used in the MBG program, only one product has been registered as halal certified on the BPJPH website: the 5 5-Partition MBG Food Tray from PT Gasindo Alam Semesta with ID 31210023468990625. This fact indicates that halal certification efforts for packaging are still minimal and need to be accelerated.
Certification is not only about fulfilling regulatory obligations but also about producers’ moral responsibility to protect consumers. Furthermore, packaging migration tests are necessary to ensure that no hazardous substances such as lead, cadmium, BPA, or phthalates migrate into food. This ensures safety and health, while meeting halal standards.
In facing this challenge, LPPOM is ready to be the best partner for businesses. Through the Halal On 30 program, companies can understand the complete halal certification process in just 30 minutes via the link bit.ly/HalalOn30. Furthermore, the LPPOM MUI Laboratory, accredited with ISO/IEC 17025:2017, also provides packaging migration testing services, information about which can be accessed at https://e-halallab.com/. This support makes the process of achieving halal and safe products easier, more transparent, and more reliable.
The case of alleged use of pork fat in MBG trays serves as a stark reminder that halal certification for food packaging should not be considered a mere formality. Although the requirement will only come into effect in October 2026, anticipatory measures must be taken early to protect consumers.
Ultimately, the success of the MBG program lies not only in the quality and nutritional value of the food, but also in ensuring that all ingredients, including the packaging, are truly safe and halal. This way, the noble goal of preparing a healthy and intelligent generation can be achieved without leaving hidden risks.
Furthermore, the MBG tray issue is just one example of the importance of halal certification across various sectors. From food and beverages to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, and even food packaging, all require halal assurance as a form of comprehensive protection for the public. (YN)
Reference : https://indonesiabusinesspost.com/5066/investigations/from-chaoshan-to-classrooms-illegal-imports-health-hazards-and-halal-concerns
