Namib Mills' Senior Brand Manager, Marné Bouwer, says there is no evidence so far linking Top Score Instant Porridge to the incident involving the deaths of three children in South Africa.

However, laboratory tests and investigations are in progress and will be communicated once they are finalised. 

As a precautionary measure, Namib Mills has temporarily removed Top Score Instant Porridge from markets in South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, and Lesotho while the investigation continues.

Bouwer denounced rumours that the Namibian product was toxic and may have contributed to the deaths.

However, in response to the incident, Namib Mills has implemented precautionary measures, including removing instant porridge products from retail shelves, a decision that could impact the company financially.

Bouwer noted that while it is too early to quantify the financial impact, all indications suggest it will be substantial.

She added that Namib Mills' management visited Mdantsane in South Africa, where the deaths occurred, to engage the affected families and oversee an independent investigation.

The production batch in question has also been identified, and samples have been sent to an accredited laboratory for testing.

The results usually take up to two weeks; however, Bouwer assured that an expedited process has been requested to share the findings quickly.