Namib Mills, the producers of Top Score Instant Porridge, has expressed its deep sadness after three young children died in Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape, allegedly after consuming the porridge at home this past Friday.

According to reports, 4-year-old Lithembelihle Bambela, 1-year-old Iminathi Bambela, and 1-year-old Live Ndudane, died after consuming the Namibia-produced vanilla-flavoured porridge at a shack in Nu 2 in the Mdantsane ward.

They had purchased the porridge at a local Spar.

Live’s mother, Nande, told News24 that the children started looking ill shortly after starting to eat their porridge, they complained of stomach ache, and foam started coming out of their mouths.

The three children sadly passed away on their way to the clinic.

While the Eastern Cape Police have launched an investigation into the claims that the children died after eating the porridge, Namib Mills has emphasised that, as of now, there is no evidence directly linking their product to this tragedy.

”There have been rumours in the media suggesting that our Top Score Instant porridge may have been involved, which prompted an immediate and proactive response from our company. At Namib Mills, we take any food safety allegations extremely seriously. The health and well- being of our consumers is always our top priority.”

In a statement issued on their social media, the Windhoek based company detailed the actions it has taken since the tragedy:

• Out of an abundance of caution, they have temporarily withdrawn Top Score Instant Porridge from the markets in South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, and Lesotho while investigations are ongoing.
• The CEO of Namib Mills and a senior management team traveled to Mdantsane to personally engage with the affected community and to oversee the progress of an independent investigation.
• The production batch in question has been identified and isolated.
• Samples have been sent to an independent, accredited third-party laboratory for comprehensive testing. Although results typically take up to two weeks, they have requested an expedited process to ensure they can share findings with the public as soon as possible.
• The company says although this is an isolated incident connected to one household only, they remain fully committed to cooperating with all relevant authorities to establish the facts and provide full transparency.

Meanwhile, the National Consumer Commission has called on consumers to return their purchases of the porridge to their nearest retailer for a full refund.

The recalled product was produced on 06/08/2024, with the best before date of 06/02/2026: