NAMIBIA – Namib Mills, a leading food manufacturer in Namibia, has temporarily withdrawn its Top Score Instant Porridge from the market after the tragic deaths of three children in Mdantsane township, Buffalo City, South Africa.
The children, aged 4, 18 months, and 17 months, passed away on Sunday after reportedly consuming instant porridge. Two of the children were from the same household.
Marné Bouwer, Namib Mills’ Senior Brand Manager, expressed deep regret over the incident, saying,
“We are deeply saddened by the reports circulating that three children have passed away. There is currently no evidence linking our product to this incident, but we are taking the matter very seriously.”
Namib Mills emphasized that its decision to pull the product from shelves is a proactive, precautionary measure.
“As a precautionary measure, we have decided to temporarily withdraw all Top Score Instant Porridge products from the market while an investigation is underway. This is a proactive measure, reflecting our commitment to consumer safety,” Bouwer explained.
Investigation underway
One of the four children, aged 7, was discharged from the hospital in stable condition. However, authorities have sent samples of the porridge to the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) for microbiological and chemical analysis to determine the exact cause of the incident.
The supermarket that allegedly sold the suspected porridge has been temporarily closed, and all batches of the product have been detained by authorities.
The municipality has instructed the supermarket’s regional managers to voluntarily remove the suspected product from circulation until tests are completed.
In response to the incident, the divisional managing director of Spar Eastern Cape, Siyolo Dick, issued a letter dated 28 September, instructing all retailers to immediately remove Top Score Instant Porridge from their shelves as a precautionary measure.
“We take precaution to remove this line from your shelves until we receive the forensic details and laboratory test results,” the statement read.
Dick also confirmed that all stock of the product at Spar’s distribution centres in South Africa has been located and suspended from further supply, pending the outcome of the investigation.
“We will provide an update as soon as the test results are available and advise if any further action is necessary,” Dick added.
The tragedy has also raised broader questions about food safety standards and the vigilance of manufacturers and retailers in ensuring the integrity of products sold to consumers.
While Namib Mills awaits the outcome of the investigation, the company has pledged its full cooperation with authorities and reaffirmed its commitment to consumer safety.
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