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WINDHOEK, 29 SEP (NAMPA)- Namib Mills has temporarily withdrawn Top Score Instant Porridge products from the market, after reports that three children allegedly died after consuming the vanilla flavored instant porridge in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According to a statement released on Sunday by Marné Bouwer, Namibia Mills' Senior Brand Manager, the products are withdrawn as a proactive measure, while an investigation is underway.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

WALVIS BAY, 23 April 2026 - President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Vice President Lucia Witbooi, Erongo Governor Natalia |Goagoses and other government ministers and officials photographed with members of the fishing industry after a two-day engagement. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

WALVIS BAY, 23 April 2026 - President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Vice President Lucia Witbooi, Erongo Governor Natalia |Goagoses and other government ministers and officials photographed with members of the fishing industry after a two-day engagement. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

NAMPA
SWAKOPMUND, 23 April 2026 - Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus and Angola’s Minister of Telecommunications, Information Technology and Social Communication, Mário Augusto da Silva Oliveira (standing) photographed with Telecom Namibia Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Shanapinda and Angola Telecom Chief Executive Officer, Adilson Miguel dos Santos during the signing of an MoU between the two countries. (Photo: Contributed)

SWAKOPMUND, 23 April 2026 - Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus and Angola’s Minister of Telecommunications, Information Technology and Social Communication, Mário Augusto da Silva Oliveira (standing) photographed with Telecom Namibia Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Shanapinda and Angola Telecom Chief Executive Officer, Adilson Miguel dos Santos during the signing of an MoU between the two countries. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA
ARANDIS, 23 April 2026 - Rössing Uranium Managing Director Johan Coetzee (right) and MTC Managing Director Licky Erastus commission the mine’s four private long-term evolution (LTE) towers aimed at significantly boosting network coverage across its 50-year-old open pit. (Photo: Contributed)

ARANDIS, 23 April 2026 - Rössing Uranium Managing Director Johan Coetzee (right) and MTC Managing Director Licky Erastus commission the mine’s four private long-term evolution (LTE) towers aimed at significantly boosting network coverage across its 50-year-old open pit. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA
WINDHOEK, 23 April 2026 - City of Windhoek council members pictured at the Waste Buy Back Centre. (Photo by: Ali Negumbo) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 23 April 2026 - City of Windhoek council members pictured at the Waste Buy Back Centre. (Photo by: Ali Negumbo) NAMPA

NAMPA
WINDHOEK, 23 April 2026 - Solid waste at the Windhoek Waste Buy Back Centre. (Photo by: Ali Negumbo) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 23 April 2026 - Solid waste at the Windhoek Waste Buy Back Centre. (Photo by: Ali Negumbo) NAMPA

NAMPA
OPUWO, 23 April 2026 - Governor of Kunene Region Vipuakuje Muharukua during the official opening of Opuwo Trade Fair. (Photo: Contributed)

OPUWO, 23 April 2026 - Governor of Kunene Region Vipuakuje Muharukua during the official opening of Opuwo Trade Fair. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA
WINDHOEK, April 2026 - The Bank of Namibia's newly appointed Director of Legal, Governance, Risk and Compliance, Moudi Hangula. (Photo: Contributed)

WINDHOEK, April 2026 - The Bank of Namibia's newly appointed Director of Legal, Governance, Risk and Compliance, Moudi Hangula. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA
OSHAKATI, 22 April 2026 - The Vice Chancellor of the University of Namibia (UNAM), Professor Kenneth Matengu pictured during the UNAM Northern Campuses graduation ceremony on Wednesday. (Photo by: Ester Hakaala) NAMPA

OSHAKATI, 22 April 2026 - The Vice Chancellor of the University of Namibia (UNAM), Professor Kenneth Matengu pictured during the UNAM Northern Campuses graduation ceremony on Wednesday. (Photo by: Ester Hakaala) NAMPA

NAMPA