Namib Mills Instant Porridge cleared for consumption

WINDHOEK, 09 OCT (NAMPA) – Top Score Instant Porridge has been found safe for consumption, Namib Mills announced on Wednesday.
The company in a statement said laboratory tests conducted in South Africa found that the product does not pose a health hazard.
The tests were conducted after two toddlers and a baby passed away after consuming vanilla flavoured Top Score Instant Porridge in the Eastern Cape. Namib Mills subsequently withdrew its Top Score products from retail shops while awaiting the results of the tests.
Namib Mills spokesperson Marne Bouwer in the statement said the laboratory testing included the batch in question, numbered 06/08/2024, as well as multiple batches across different flavours and production dates.
“The results confirm that Top Score Instant Porridge is safe for consumption. To further reassure consumers and stakeholders that our product poses no health risk and complies with the highest standards in food safety, the independent laboratory conducted a series of rigorous tests, including pesticide analysis, testing for over 200 different pesticides to ensure none are detected,” Bouwer said.
The test checks for over 200 types of pesticides which can be harmful if ingested. The statement said high pesticide levels can cause acute poisoning, especially in vulnerable populations like children, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, seizures, and even death.
“This test confirms no harmful pesticide residues were present in our products, ruling out poisoning from pesticide exposure,” Bouwer added.
The test also included heavy metals analysis to ensure that no traces of harmful heavy metals are detected.
“This test detects toxic heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic. Even small amounts of these metals can cause poisoning, particularly in children, leading to neurological damage, organ failure, or death. This test confirms no harmful heavy metals were present in our products, ruling out poisoning from heavy metals exposure,” Bouwer said.
She further added that a microbiological analysis was conducted which confirmed the absence of harmful microorganisms in the Top Score products.
(NAMPA)
EB/AS