The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has issued an urgent recall of Top Score instant porridge, advising consumers to stop using the product immediately and return it to retailers for a full refund. The recall follows the tragic deaths of three children, aged between one and four, in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, who allegedly consumed the porridge. A fourth child remains in stable condition in the hospital.
The NCC, in collaboration with Spar Group and the porridge's Namibian producers, decided to proceed with the recall as a precautionary measure. Prudence Moilwa, Head of Complaints and Investigations at the NCC, stated that while the exact cause of the incident is still being investigated, it was critical to recall the product due to its potential link to the deaths.
Moilwa confirmed that all flavors of the porridge are being recalled, extending beyond the initial concern surrounding the vanilla-flavored maize porridge. The final scope of the recall is still being determined, but Spar has opted to include all flavors as a safety precaution.
Investigations into the exact cause of the deaths are ongoing.