Namibia’s Top Score porridge under investigation after child deaths

… As SA records three deaths

Namib Mills has launched an investigation after three children died in South Africa.

The children allegedly died after consuming Namibian-produced vanilla-flavoured Top Score instant maize porridge.

“There are allegations that one of our products, Top Score instant porridge, may be implicated. While there is currently no evidence linking our product to this unfortunate event, we are taking the matter very seriously,” says brand manager Marne Bouwer.

All Top Score instant porridge products have been temporarily withdrawn from Namibian shelves. Bouwer says they are fully cooperating with the relevant authorities.

“We understand the concern this situation may cause. We will continue to provide updates via our social media platforms and website to keep our customers, stakeholders and the public informed as we work to address the issue,” Bouwer says.

Spar management in South Africa has also removed the porridge from their shelves following the deaths.

In an internal communiqué dated 28 September, Spar said it is awaiting forensic results from laboratory tests, while all stock of the product at its distribution centres is being located and suspended from further supply.

“The terrible news of three children passing away after allegedly consuming Namibian-produced Top Score vanilla-flavoured instant maize porridge requires our immediate attention and action,” said Spar.

Health minister Kalumbi Shangula says he has not yet been briefed on the developments in South Africa.

“I just returned yesterday (Saturday) evening, and I have not heard about that story,” he says.

In the meantime, Namibia Consumer Protection Group’s Milton Louw says authorities should seize the entire container from which the contaminated products originated.

“Authorities in South Africa must investigate from the source backwards.

This is not an uncommon issue — we have seen contaminated meat before.

They need to halt that production line temporarily. Whatever the quantities were, they were in a batch packaged in a whole container, and we must seize all of it to prevent further distribution,” Louw says.