The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised an alarm over the circulation of counterfeit Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet milk in Nigeria, warning that the fake product poses serious health risks to unsuspecting consumers.
In a public alert issued on Friday, the agency disclosed that Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the marketing authorisation holder and genuine manufacturer of Cowbell milk, alerted authorities after discovering the counterfeit version in the Nigerian market. According to NAFDAC, the counterfeiters are exploiting the trusted Cowbell brand by illegally using its name, packaging design, registration number, and trademark. The packaging design, it added, was last legitimately used by Promasidor in September 2023.
NAFDAC explained that the counterfeit product bears a striking resemblance to the genuine Cowbell 12g milk sachet but can be identified through some critical differences. The genuine Cowbell is creamy, comes in the revised PNG artwork with the inscription “Our Creamy Goodness,” and carries batch details printed with laser technology on the designated coding area of the sachet. Its vertical sides are sealed and cut using automated machinery, giving it a neat and uniform finish.
In contrast, the counterfeit Cowbell milk does not resemble real milk in content. It comes in an outdated PNG packaging artwork with the inscription “Our Milk,” and the batch details are printed with ink rather than laser technology. The coding is placed in the wrong area of the sachet, while the sealing and cutting on the vertical sides are done manually, making it rough and inconsistent.
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How to Spot the Difference
Genuine Cowbell 12g Sachet Milk (Photo: NAFDAC)
Counterfeit Cowbell 12g Sachet Milk (Photo: NAFDAC)
NAFDAC warned that consumption of the counterfeit milk product could lead to dire health consequences. The agency stated that fake milk may contain harmful substances such as toxic chemicals, unapproved additives, or diluted ingredients that fall far below food safety standards. Possible health complications include foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, organ damage, and in extreme cases, death. Vulnerable groups such as infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are considered to be at the highest risk.
To curtail the spread of the dangerous product, NAFDAC has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators across the country to intensify surveillance and mop up all counterfeit Cowbell 12g sachet milk from circulation. The agency also appealed to distributors, retailers, and consumers to remain vigilant within the supply chain and ensure that only products from authorised manufacturers and suppliers are purchased.
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Consumers are further urged to pay close attention to the authenticity and physical condition of food products before use. Suspicious cases of counterfeit or substandard products should be promptly reported to the nearest NAFDAC office, by calling the toll-free number 0800-162-3322, or by emailing [email protected]. Healthcare professionals and patients who encounter adverse effects linked to counterfeit food products are encouraged to report through the agency’s pharmacovigilance platforms on its official website, or by email to [email protected].
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health, stressing that food safety remains a shared responsibility between regulators, manufacturers, distributors, and consumers.
