Top Score Instant Porridge – Independent Testing Confirms Product Safety

09 Oct 2024 | News & Events | by Marné Bouwer

Following the tragic incident in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, Namib Mills temporarily recalled all variants of Top Score Instant Porridge from our markets in South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho and Zambia on 29 September 2024. Even though there is no evidence linking our product to this isolated incident, we took this step out of an abundance of caution to ensure consumer safety and confidence.

We also sent our products for rigorous testing to an independent, SANAS-accredited laboratory in South Africa. SANAS accreditation certificates are a formal recognition by the Government of South Africa that an organisation is competent to perform specific tasks.

The results confirm that Top Score Instant Porridge is safe for consumption. This testing encompassed not only the specific batch in question —06/08/2024— but also multiple batches across different flavours and production dates, to further reassure consumers and stakeholders that our product poses no health risk and complies with the highest standards in food safety.

Comprehensive Testing Process and Results:

The independent laboratory conducted a series of rigorous tests, including

1. Pesticide Analysis: Testing for over 200 different pesticides to ensure none are detected.

Why it matters for human health: This test checks for over 200 types of pesticides, which can be harmful if ingested. 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.

2. Heavy Metals Analysis: Ensuring no traces of harmful heavy metals are detected.

Why it matters for human health: 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.

3. Microbiological Analysis: Confirming the absence of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, or toxins.

Why it matters for human health: This test identifies harmful bacteria, viruses, or toxins that can cause foodborne illnesses like food poisoning. Contamination by pathogens such as Salmonella or E. coli can result in severe gastrointestinal symptoms, dehydration, or even fatal outcomes, especially in young children. This test confirms the absence of harmful microorganisms, which means our products are not the source of food poisoning.

In addition to the batch in question, the tests were also applied to the following batches and flavours:

- Maize 09/10/2023
- Strawberry 03/01/2024
- Banana 02/05/2024
- Peanut Butter 23/05/2024
- Toffee Caramel 28/05/2024
- Banana 27/05/2024
- Maize 29/05/2024
- Toffee Caramel 05/08/2024
- Vanilla 19/08/2024
- Vanilla 27/09/2024

The test results confirm that our product batches across all variants (flavours) are free from harmful contaminants and comply with the highest standards of food safety. Top Score Instant Porridge is entirely safe for human consumption.

Commitment to Consumer Safety:

Our thorough testing and rigorous controls confirm that our manufacturing process meets the highest food safety standards ensuring a clean bill of health for all products leaving our facility. However, there is always a possibility that contamination may occur after the products leave our control.

Consumers are urged to adhere to product safety by ensuring:

1. Product packaging is sealed and intact before use. Do not use the product if the seal is compromised.
2. Proper storage. Store the product as recommended on the label
3. Hygienic handling. Wash hands and utensils before handling the product.
4. Safe transportation. Ensure perishable products are safely transported after purchase to maintain product integrity.
5. Expiration date. Always check the expiration date on the label when purchasing products

Ongoing Communication:

We will continue to provide updates on any relevant information related to this matter. Namib Mills encourages everyone to follow our official social media channels and visit our website for the latest information.

Released by:

Marné Bouwer, Senior Brand Manager
Tel: +264 61 290 1000
Email: mb@nm.na