Johannesburg – The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has finalised its probe into Top Score Vanilla Instant Porridge by Namib Mills, which was linked to the Buffalo City municipality incident in which three children died after allegedly consuming the product.
From the investigation, the NCC said it has made the following findings:
- Laboratory test results revealed no observable contamination of the batches tested; and
- Based on the above finding, Namib Mills has not contravened the provisions of the CPA, particularly section 55, which relates to the provision of safe and quality goods.
Announcing the end of the probe on Wednesday, (4 December 2024), the NCC said it decided to close the Top Score Vanilla Instant Porridge product safety recall in accordance with the applicable provisions of the CPA.
In closing the product recall, the Acting Commissioner, Hardin Ratshisusu, stated: “This investigation was rather complex as there were reported deaths in Buffalo City allegedly linked to the product.
“It was therefore necessary for the NCC to conduct a thorough investigation and consult all other relevant regulatory authorities.
“The final analysis of the laboratory tests conducted on the batches did not show traces of contaminants of concern, necessitating the closure of the product recall, meaning that the product could be supplied to the market.”
Earlier this year on 30 September 2024, the NCC informed the public about a precautionary Top Score Vanilla Instant Porridge product recall by Namib Mills.
The NCC duly informed the public of the recall in terms of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA).
The NCC further initiated the investigation to assess if Namib Mills, a company based in Namibia, had contravened the CPA in the production and supply of the Top Score instant porridge 1 kg vanilla flavoured.
The product was identified in the Buffalo City municipality incident wherein the children died after allegedly consuming the product.
The investigation extended to Spar Group, the retailer of the product in Buffalo City.
“This investigation was initiated to ensure that the risks in the supply of the potentially harmful product that was the subject of the precautionary recall were mitigated,” said the NCC.
“The NCC has now finalised this investigation.”
