NAFDAC raises alarm over counterfeit Cowbell 12g sachet milk in circulation

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an alert over the circulation of counterfeit Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet in Nigeria.

The agency said the alert followed a report from Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the manufacturer and marketing authorisation holder of Cowbell, which confirmed that fake versions of the product bearing close resemblance to the genuine milk are in circulation.

Promasidor said the original Cowbell milk is creamy and produced with revised PNG artwork packaging.

“Our Creamy Goodness, printing of the batch details is done with laser printing, the coding is done on the coding area on the sachet,” the statement reads.

“And the sealing and cutting on the vertical sides are automated.”

On the counterfeit version, the company noted: “The content of the counterfeit Cowbell 12g sachet milk does not seem like milk, the packaging material used is the old PNG artwork, ‘Our Milk.’”

It added: “Printing of the batch details was done with ink instead of laser printing, the coding was not done on the coding area but on a different part of the sachet.”

“And the sealing and cutting on the vertical sides were manually done.”

NAFDAC warned that consuming the fake product could pose severe health risks.

“Use or consumption of counterfeit Cowbell ‘Our Milk’ presents serious health and safety risks,” the agency said.

“Such products may contain harmful substances, including toxic chemicals, unapproved additives, or diluted ingredients that do not meet food safety standards.

“Consumption of counterfeit milk 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.”

The agency directed all its zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and mop up counterfeit Cowbell 12g sachet milk within their jurisdictions.

“Distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to prevent the distribution, sale, and use of the counterfeit milk product.

“All food products must be obtained from authorised, licensed manufacturers and suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.

“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.”