The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert on the circulation of counterfeit Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachets across Nigeria.
In a statement released on Friday, NAFDAC said the counterfeit product was brought to its attention by Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the manufacturer and Marketing Authorization Holder of the Cowbell brand. The fake sachets closely mimic the original product in packaging, design, and even bear a forged NAFDAC registration number and trademark.
According to the agency, Promasidor confirmed that the packaging design used for the counterfeit milk was last produced in September 2023 and that the fake product was neither manufactured nor distributed by the company.
NAFDAC explained that the genuine Cowbell Milk is creamy and packaged with the updated PNG artwork labelled “Our Creamy Goodness.” It features laser-printed batch details on a designated coding area, and the sachets are sealed and cut automatically on the vertical sides.
In contrast, the counterfeit sachets use the outdated “Our Milk” artwork. Batch details are printed with ink rather than laser printing, the coding appears in the wrong area of the sachet, and the sealing and cutting on the vertical sides are manually done.
The agency warned that consumption of the counterfeit milk poses serious health and safety risks. It stated that such products may contain harmful substances, including toxic chemicals, unapproved additives, or diluted ingredients that do not meet food safety standards. Consumption can result in foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, organ damage, or even death in severe cases. Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.
To address the issue, NAFDAC has instructed its zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and remove counterfeit products from circulation. Distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and ensure that all food items are purchased from authorised sources.
NAFDAC also urged healthcare professionals and the public to report suspected counterfeit or substandard food products. Reports can be made via its toll-free line on 0800-162-3322 or by email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng. Adverse reactions or side effects from counterfeit food products can also be reported through the e-reporting platforms on the agency’s website, www.nafdac.gov.ng
, or via email at pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng
