Spar issues urgent recall of porridge amid investigation into child deaths

Spar has announced the suspension of sales for its Namibian-produced Top Score vanilla-flavoured instant maize porridge amid ongoing investigations into a tragic incident involving four children.

The decision comes after reports that the children were hospitalised after consuming the product, resulting in the heartbreaking deaths of three young lives in Mdantsane NU2, Eastern Cape.

It is alleged they were fed the porridge and later complained of stomach cramps.

The fourth child, aged seven, remains in stable condition after being discharged from hospital.

Spar provincial division managing director Siyolo Dick said as a precaution, they require you to remove all products from this line from your shelves until they receive the forensic details and laboratory test results.

“Additionally, all stock of this product at our distribution centres is being located and suspended for further supply.

“We will provide an update as soon as the test results are available and advise if any further action is necessary.”

‘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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