Cape Town - Namib Mills’s Top Score Instant Porridge has been removed from South African shelves following the deaths of three children in the Eastern Cape.
The two toddlers and a baby from Mdantsane died after reportedly consuming the porridge bought from a SPAR outlet.
The children experienced stomach cramps after eating the vanilla-flavoured instant maize porridge and were later taken to a local clinic, where they were pronounced dead.
Namib Mills, the company behind Top Score Instant Porridge, has since released a statement.
Marné Bouwer, senior brand manager, stressed there is currently no evidence connecting their product to the tragic incidents, but they are treating the matter with the utmost seriousness.
“First and foremost, the loss of life, especially of young children, is a tragedy, and our deepest condolences go out to the families and communities affected.
“While there is currently no evidence linking our product to this unfortunate event, we are taking the matter very seriously,” she said.
According to the Namib Mills website, the instant porridge is made with 99% natural ingredients and is enriched with various vitamins. As a precaution, Bouwer confirmed they decided to temporarily withdraw all Top Score Instant Porridge products from the market while an investigation is conducted.
“This is a proactive measure, reflecting our commitment to consumer safety.
“We are co-operating fully with all relevant authorities and have also initiated our own internal investigation to ensure complete transparency,” Bouwer said.
SPAR has also suspended sales of the Namibian-produced product from all its shelves during the ongoing investigations.
Its provincial division managing director Siyolo Dick said: “As a precaution we require you to remove all products from this line from your shelves until we receive the forensic details and laboratory test results.”
All stock at SPAR distribution centres is being located and suspended for further supply.
Following the children’s deaths, Mkhululi Ndamase, spokesperson for the MEC of Health, Ntandokazi Capa, was unable to provide comment and directed enquiries to the police.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Siphokazi Mawisa, confirmed officers were summoned to the scene, and an inquest case had been opened.
Princess Faku, the mayor of Buffalo City, expressed her condolences to the families of the children.
“I’m saddened and devastated by the death of these little children. We are sending our condolences to the families and to the community of Mdantsane.
“This is tragic, and I believe that law enforcement agencies will get to the root of what led to their deaths,” she said.
byron.lukas@inl.co.za