DailySun
Johannesburg – The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has finalized its inquiry into the Top Score Vanilla Instant Porridge manufactured by Namib Mills, which was linked to the tragic incident in Buffalo City that resulted in the deaths of three children after they reportedly consumed the product.
Following the inquiry, the NCC presented the subsequent findings:
- Laboratory analyses indicated no evidence of contamination in the examined batches;
- Consequently, Namib Mills did not breach the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), particularly section 55, pertaining to the provision of safe and quality products.
On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, the NCC announced the conclusion of its investigation, declaring that the recall of Top Score Vanilla Instant Porridge was officially lifted in accordance with the applicable regulations of the CPA.
In this announcement, Acting Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu noted: “This investigation was particularly complex due to the reported fatalities in Buffalo City that were supposedly associated with the product.
“It was crucial for the NCC to conduct a comprehensive investigation and coordinate with all relevant regulatory authorities.
“The final evaluations from the laboratory tests on the batches did not indicate any troubling contaminants, which resulted in the decision to end the product recall, signifying its readiness to return to the market.”
Earlier this year, on September 30, 2024, the NCC had informed the public of a precautionary recall of the Top Score Vanilla Instant Porridge by Namib Mills.
The NCC informed the public regarding the recall in compliance with the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA).
Additionally, the NCC initiated an investigation to ascertain if Namib Mills, a company from Namibia, had violated the CPA during the production and distribution of the Top Score instant porridge, vanilla flavored, available in 1 kg packaging.
The product was implicated in the incident within the Buffalo City municipality, where the children lost their lives following its alleged consumption.
The investigation also encompassed Spar Group, the retailer offering the product in Buffalo City.
“This investigation was launched to ensure that any risks associated with the potentially hazardous product involved in the recall were adequately addressed,” stated the NCC.
“The NCC has now completed this investigation.”
