Top Score Instant Porridge given 'clean bill of health'
Customers reassured
The instant porridge has been declared safe following vigorous and independent testing.
Namib Mills confirmed last Wednesday that their popular Top Score Instant Porridge that tests had conclusively confirmed their product is safe for human consumption.
According to Namib Mills' senior brand manager, Marné Bouwer, the test results found that "Top Score Instant Porridge is safe for consumption."
She noted that the 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."
This follows allegations from South Africa that consuming the porridge may have contributed to the deaths of three children in the Eastern Cape. As a result, the product was immediately removed from shelves in Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Lesotho, pending the results of various laboratory tests to determine the product's safety.
The tests were conducted by an independent laboratory in South Africa accredited by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS). The laboratory tested the product for the presence of over 200 pesticides and also for heavy metals. Additionally, Bouwer stated that microbiological analysis was conducted to rule out bacteria, viruses, and toxins.
Thorough testing conducted
Specifically tested: Maize Meal from October 9, Strawberry-flavoured Instant Porridge from January 3, Banana flavour from May 2, Peanut Butter flavour from May 23, Toffee Caramel flavour from May 28, Banana from May 27, Maize Meal from May 29, Toffee Caramel from August 5,and Vanilla from August 19 and September 27.
“The rest 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,” Bouwer stressed.
Bouwer added that “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.”
She pointed out that “there is always a possibility that contamination may occur after the products leave our control.”
She encouraged consumers to ensure that their instant porridge is always sealed and intact before use. “Do not use the product if the seal is compromised.”
Consumers should also make sure the product is stored correctly, handled hygienically, transported safely and not purchased after the expiration date.
Furthermore, she noted that the South African regulatory authorities are conducting their own laboratory tests, and the results of these tests must be awaited before Top Score Instant Porridge will return to Namibian shelves.
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According to Namib Mills' senior brand manager, Marné Bouwer, the test results found that "Top Score Instant Porridge is safe for consumption."
She noted that the 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."
This follows allegations from South Africa that consuming the porridge may have contributed to the deaths of three children in the Eastern Cape. As a result, the product was immediately removed from shelves in Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Lesotho, pending the results of various laboratory tests to determine the product's safety.
The tests were conducted by an independent laboratory in South Africa accredited by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS). The laboratory tested the product for the presence of over 200 pesticides and also for heavy metals. Additionally, Bouwer stated that microbiological analysis was conducted to rule out bacteria, viruses, and toxins.
Thorough testing conducted
Specifically tested: Maize Meal from October 9, Strawberry-flavoured Instant Porridge from January 3, Banana flavour from May 2, Peanut Butter flavour from May 23, Toffee Caramel flavour from May 28, Banana from May 27, Maize Meal from May 29, Toffee Caramel from August 5,and Vanilla from August 19 and September 27.
“The rest 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,” Bouwer stressed.
Bouwer added that “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.”
She pointed out that “there is always a possibility that contamination may occur after the products leave our control.”
She encouraged consumers to ensure that their instant porridge is always sealed and intact before use. “Do not use the product if the seal is compromised.”
Consumers should also make sure the product is stored correctly, handled hygienically, transported safely and not purchased after the expiration date.
Furthermore, she noted that the South African regulatory authorities are conducting their own laboratory tests, and the results of these tests must be awaited before Top Score Instant Porridge will return to Namibian shelves.
- [email protected]
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