“It May Contain Harmful Substances”-NAFDAC Raises Alarm ,Warns Over Fake Cowbell Milk In Circulation (PHOTOS)

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Friday warned Nigerians about the circulation of counterfeit Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachets in the market.

In an alert posted on its website, the agency disclosed that Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the manufacturer and marketing authorisation holder of Cowbell “Our Milk,” reported the existence of fake products closely resembling the genuine brand.

According to NAFDAC, the counterfeit versions unlawfully carry the Cowbell brand name, packaging design, NAFDAC registration number, and trademark.

The company confirmed that the packaging design used by the counterfeiters was last adopted by Promasidor in September 2023.

NAFDAC advised consumers to note key differences: the authentic Cowbell milk is creamy; the packaging now carries the revised PNG artwork “Our Creamy Goodness”; batch details are laser-printed; coding is done within a specific coding area on the sachet; and the sealing and cutting on the vertical sides are automated.

NAFDAC has warned that the counterfeit Cowbell 12g sachet milk does not resemble real milk and carries several telltale signs of fakery. The packaging uses the old PNG artwork “Our Milk,” batch details are printed with ink instead of laser, coding appears outside the designated area, and the vertical seals and cuts are manually done.

The agency cautioned that consuming the fake product poses serious health and safety risks.

“Such products may contain harmful substances, including toxic chemicals, unapproved additives, or diluted ingredients that fail to meet food safety standards.

Consumption of counterfeit milk can cause foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, organ damage, or even death in severe cases. Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable,” it warned.

NAFDAC has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and remove the counterfeit Cowbell 12g sachets from circulation.

Distributors, retailers, and consumers were further urged to exercise caution within the supply chain, source food products only from licensed suppliers, and carefully verify the authenticity and physical condition of products before purchase.

“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of sale of substandard and counterfeit food products to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng

“Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of counterfeited food products to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng or via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng,” it said.