Top Score manufacturer Namib Mills has confirmed the safety of its instant maize porridge after a tragic incident involving three Mdantsane children. The children passed away, and a fourth child was hospitalized after consuming the company’s vanilla-flavored instant maize porridge on September 27. As a precautionary measure, Namib Mills senior brand manager Marné Bouwer announced a temporary recall of all variants of Top Score Instant Porridge in South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, and Zambia.
Despite no direct link between the product and the incident, the company conducted rigorous testing at an independent laboratory in South Africa accredited by SANAS. The tests included over 10 different flavors and batch numbers for various contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, and toxins. The results confirmed the safety of Top Score Instant Porridge for consumption, ruling out poisoning and foodborne illnesses.
Bouwer emphasized the importance of consumer safety measures and adherence to storage and transportation guidelines. While awaiting further test results from the municipality, Namib Mills reassured consumers that their product meets the highest standards of food safety.