NAFDAC has warned Nigerians about counterfeit Cowbell 12g milk sachets in circulation, urging consumers to identify fake products and avoid serious health risks.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert regarding the presence of counterfeit Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachets being sold across Nigeria.
In a statement released on Friday, the agency revealed that Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the official manufacturer of Cowbell milk, had reported the circulation of fake versions that closely resemble the authentic product.
According to NAFDAC, the counterfeit version unlawfully uses the brand name, packaging design, registration number, and trademark of the genuine Cowbell milk. Promasidor further clarified that the packaging design on the fake sachets had not been used in production since September 2023 and confirmed that the counterfeit milk was not manufactured or distributed by the company.
How to Identify the Original Cowbell Milk
The agency explained that genuine Cowbell milk is creamy and packaged with the updated design labeled “Our Creamy Goodness.” Other distinguishing features include laser-printed batch details, properly coded sachets, and automated sealing and cutting on vertical edges.
In contrast, the fake product:
- Uses outdated packaging with the label “Our Milk.”
- Has batch details printed with ink instead of laser printing.
- Displays coding in the wrong position.
- Shows evidence of manual sealing and cutting.
Health Risks of Consuming Fake Products
NAFDAC warned that consuming counterfeit milk can be extremely dangerous. Such products may contain harmful substances, toxic chemicals, unapproved additives, or diluted ingredients that fail to meet food safety standards. Potential health risks include foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, organ damage, and, in severe cases, death. Vulnerable groups such as infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly face the highest risk.
The agency has instructed its zonal directors and state coordinators to track and remove counterfeit Cowbell milk from markets nationwide. Consumers, distributors, and retailers are urged to purchase food products only from reliable sources to avoid the risk of buying fake goods.
NAFDAC also appealed to healthcare professionals and the public to report suspicious products or adverse reactions through the agency’s hotline (0800-162-3322), email (sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng), or via its official website (www.nafdac.gov.ng).
