Two one-year-olds and a four-year-old died after eating a popular brand of instant porridge on Friday, prompting a ‘precautionary measure’ to remove it from the stores, Cape {town} Etc reports.
While investigations continue, the Daily Maverick reports that porridge manufacturer Namib Mills has recalled Top Score Instant Maize Porridge in both South Africa and Namibia.
The food was removed from the market on Sunday after a preliminary examination into the deaths of two babies and a four-year-old child in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, revealed that maize meal porridge may have been the reason.
Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, a police spokeswoman, verified the event and stated that a fourth youngster got medical care after swallowing the substance.
It is claimed that the children had instant porridge before complaining of stomach problems. They were transferred to a local clinic for treatment and died. Police were called to the scene, and three inquest dockets were opened.
Lithembelihle Bambela, four years old, Iminathi Bambela, 17 months, and Live Ndudane, 18 months, have all been identified.
Bongani Fuzile, a Buffalo City Municipal spokeswoman, stated that the porridge was purchased at the Spar Highway Mdantsane location and that the product has since been removed from the shelves of Spar stores throughout the Eastern Cape.
The Spar Group expressed astonishment and sadness on Sunday following claims on social media that three toddlers had died after allegedly consuming Namibian-produced Top Score vanilla-flavored instant maize porridge.
While the youngsters were believed to have consumed the vanilla-flavored product, Spar stated that it will discontinue ‘all items from this line.’
‘We offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family during this extremely difficult time. We are currently working with local authorities to contact the family and offer them support.
‘While the cause of death is still to be ascertained, we have been in contact with the supplier to immediately suspend distribution of the product. We have also taken the precautionary measure of removing the product from our shelves while the necessary food safety measures are being conducted, which includes comprehensive laboratory testing,’ Spar’s statement concluded.
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Written by Murray Swart for Cape Etc.
Feature image: Pexels
