Namib Mills withdraws product from market after alleged deaths of children

NAMPA
2024-09-30
WINDHOEK, 29 SEP (NAMPA)- Namib Mills has temporarily withdrawn Top Score Instant Porridge products from the market, after reports that three children allegedly died after consuming the vanilla flavored instant porridge in South Africa.

According to a statement released on Sunday by Marné Bouwer, Namibia Mills' Senior Brand Manager, the products are withdrawn as a proactive measure, while an investigation is underway.

NamibMills’ response follows a widely circulated letter purportedly by the Spar Group cautioning all retailers to remove all Top Score vannila-flavoured instant porridge products from their shelves after three children in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, died after consuming home-cooked porridge.

“First and foremost, the loss of life, especially of young children, is a tragedy, and our deepest condolences go out to the families and communities affected. While there is currently no evidence linking our product to this unfortunate event, we are taking the matter very seriously,” Bouwer said, adding that they are cooperating fully with all relevant authorities.

The company, she added, has also initiated its own internal investigation to ensure complete transparency.

“At Namib Mills, the health and well-being of our consumers is our top priority. We adhere to stringent food safety protocols and regulations. Our production facilities operate under the highest standards, and our products undergo rigorous testing, including industry standard quality assessments. We understand the concerns that this situation may cause,” Bouwer added.

She also maintained that Namib Mils will continue to provide further updates.
(NAMPA)
EB/HP

Latest NAMPA photos

WINDHOEK, 18 MAY 2026 - Bank Windhoek's Managing Director, James Chapman. (Photo: Contributed)

WINDHOEK, 18 MAY 2026 - Bank Windhoek's Managing Director, James Chapman. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA
KATIMA MULILO, 17 May 2026 - Zambezi Sporting Academy FC lost 2-0 to Bright Stars FC during the Zambezi Regional Second Division Preliminary Namibia Football Association (NFA) Cup held at the Katima Mulilo Sports Complex on Sunday. (Photo: Contributed)

KATIMA MULILO, 17 May 2026 - Zambezi Sporting Academy FC lost 2-0 to Bright Stars FC during the Zambezi Regional Second Division Preliminary Namibia Football Association (NFA) Cup held at the Katima Mulilo Sports Complex on Sunday. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA
KATIMA MULILO, 17 MAY (NAMPA) – Bright Stars FC secured the Zambezi Regional Second Division Preliminary Namibia Football Association (NFA) Cup title on Sunday, defeating Zambezi Sporting Academy 2-0 in the final held at the Katima Mulilo Sports Complex. (Photo: Michael Mutonga Liswaniso) NAMPA

KATIMA MULILO, 17 MAY (NAMPA) – Bright Stars FC secured the Zambezi Regional Second Division Preliminary Namibia Football Association (NFA) Cup title on Sunday, defeating Zambezi Sporting Academy 2-0 in the final held at the Katima Mulilo Sports Complex. (Photo: Michael Mutonga Liswaniso) NAMPA

NAMPA
OMUTHIYA, 17 May 2026 - Fontein City Football Club emerged champions of the Oshikoto Second Division Namibia Football Association (NFA) Cup after beating Omuthiya United Football Club 4-1 on penalties, at the Omuthiya Sports Field on Sunday. (Photo: Contributed)

OMUTHIYA, 17 May 2026 - Fontein City Football Club emerged champions of the Oshikoto Second Division Namibia Football Association (NFA) Cup after beating Omuthiya United Football Club 4-1 on penalties, at the Omuthiya Sports Field on Sunday. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA
OKAKOKO, 17 May 2026 - The shack that caught fire and claimed the lives of two toddlers at Okakoko village in the Omuthiya constituency of the Oshikoto region on Sunday. (Photo: Max Henrich) NAMPA

OKAKOKO, 17 May 2026 - The shack that caught fire and claimed the lives of two toddlers at Okakoko village in the Omuthiya constituency of the Oshikoto region on Sunday. (Photo: Max Henrich) NAMPA

NAMPA
WINDHOEK, 16 May 2026 - A UNAM Bokkies player (in red and white) battles for possession against Ongos FC (in maroon) during Round 20 of the Women’s Super League at UNAM Stadium in Windhoek. The closely contested encounter on Saturday ended in a goalless draw. (Photo by: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 16 May 2026 - A UNAM Bokkies player (in red and white) battles for possession against Ongos FC (in maroon) during Round 20 of the Women’s Super League at UNAM Stadium in Windhoek. The closely contested encounter on Saturday ended in a goalless draw. (Photo by: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

NAMPA
WINDHOEK, 16 May 2026 - A UNAM Bokkies player (in red and white) battles for possession against Ongos FC (in maroon) during Round 20 of the Women’s Super League at UNAM Stadium in Windhoek. The closely contested encounter on Saturday ended in a goalless draw. (Photo by: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 16 May 2026 - A UNAM Bokkies player (in red and white) battles for possession against Ongos FC (in maroon) during Round 20 of the Women’s Super League at UNAM Stadium in Windhoek. The closely contested encounter on Saturday ended in a goalless draw. (Photo by: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

NAMPA
WINDHOEK, 16 May 2026 - A UNAM Bokkies player (in red and white) battles for possession against Ongos FC (in maroon) during Round 20 of the Women’s Super League at UNAM Stadium in Windhoek. The closely contested encounter on Saturday ended in a goalless draw. (Photo by: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 16 May 2026 - A UNAM Bokkies player (in red and white) battles for possession against Ongos FC (in maroon) during Round 20 of the Women’s Super League at UNAM Stadium in Windhoek. The closely contested encounter on Saturday ended in a goalless draw. (Photo by: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

NAMPA