Namib Mills has temporarily withdrawn Top Score Instant Porridge products from the markets in Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Lesotho while investigations are carried out into the deaths of three children in South Africa who were said to have died after eating an instant porridge made by Namib Mills.
“Our CEO and senior management team travelled to Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, South Africa, to personally engage with the affected community and to oversee the progress of an independent investigation,” said Marné Bouwer, the senior brand manager for Top Score.
Bouwer stated that although the tragedy which happened on 28 September is an isolated incident which is connected to one household only, “we remain fully committed to cooperating with all relevant authorities to establish the facts and provide full transparency.
“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, we have requested an expedited process to ensure we can share findings with the public as soon as possible.”
“We wish to emphasize that, as of now, there is no evidence directly linking our product to this tragedy,” Bouwer said.
“At Namib Mills, we take any food safety allegations extremely seriously. The health and wellbeing of our consumers is always our top priority.”
She further added that Namib Mills upholds the highest food safety standards across all their products.
“The independent testing of our Top Score Instant porridge is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure the quality and safety of everything we produce.
“This process is intended to reassure the public and our retail partners that all our products continue to meet the strictest regulatory standards.
“We will provide ongoing updates through our social media platforms and our website to keep our customers, stakeholders, and the broader public informed as we work through this investigation.
“Namib Mills remains steadfast in our commitment to the health and safety of the nation, and we will continue to prioritise these values above all else.”
In the photo: For illustrative purposes, the Top Score Instant vanilla flavoured porridge.
