Popular brand Top Score has recalled its vanilla-flavoured instant maize porridge from South Africa following the deaths of three children in the Eastern Cape.
According to reports, the children ate the porridge and complained of stomach cramps soon after on Friday evening. Biz Community reported that the Spar Group has already suspended the distribution of the Namibian-produced product and has removed it from all store shelves.
The children were aged 18 months to four years.
Namib Mills, which makes the porridge, stated to the BBC: “There is currently no evidence linking our product to this unfortunate event, we are taking the matter very seriously.
“At Namib Mills, the health and well-being of our consumers is our top priority. We adhere to stringent food safety protocols and regulations.
“Our production facilities operate under the highest standards, and our products undergo rigorous testing, including industry standard quality assessments,” concluded the statement.
A fourth child also reportedly fell ill but was discharged from hospital over the weekend. It’s still unclear what caused the deaths of the other three.
As a precautionary measure, Namib Mills “made the decision to temporarily withdraw all Top Score Instant Porridge products from the market while an investigation is underway.”
Buffalo City Municipal spokesperson Bongani Fuzile told the Daily Maverick that samples of the porridge have been taken to the National Health Laboratory Services for testing and analysis.
