Namib Mills, one of the leading staple food suppliers in the country, has temporarily removed its Top Score Instant Porridge from shelves in both South Africa and Namibia. 

The drastic action comes after serious allegations that the Namib Mills product may have been responsible for the deaths of three toddlers, and the hospitalisation of a fourth child in South Africa on Friday last week. 

“Namib Mills is deeply saddened by reports circulating in the media and on social platforms that claim three children in the Eastern Cape of South Africa tragically passed away after consuming home-cooked porridge. There are allegations that one of our products, Top Score Instant Porridge, may be implicated,” stated Namib Mills spokesperson Marné Bouwer. 

In the statement issued on Sunday, Bouwer added that while there is currently no evidence linking the product to the unfortunate incident, Namib Mills is taking the matter extremely seriously. 

“As a precautionary measure, we have made the decision 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. We are cooperating fully with all relevant authorities, and have also initiated our own internal investigation to ensure complete transparency,” Bouwer added.   

According to a South African police spokesperson, the children, aged 18 months to four years, started complaining of stomach aches after eating the instant porridge. 

Samples of the porridge have since been taken to South Africa’s National Health Laboratory Services for testing and analysis. A notice on Saturday from the Spar retail group stated that all products from the Namib Mills instant porridge line have been removed from grocery shelves until forensic and laboratory results are made available to confirm the cause of death.  

Namib Mills has since extended its condolences to the affected families. The company has also assured consumers it adheres to stringent food protocols and regulations. 

“Our production facilities operate under the highest standards, and our products undergo rigorous testing, including industry standard quality assessments,” Bouwer added.