NAFDAC Warns Against Circulation of Counterfeit Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g Sachets

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

According to a statement on the agency’s website on Friday, Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the manufacturer and marketing authorisation holder of Cowbell “Our Milk,” alerted NAFDAC about products closely resembling the genuine 12g sachets.

“These counterfeits include unauthorised use of the brand name, packaging design, NAFDAC registration number, and trademark. The MAH confirms these products were neither manufactured nor distributed by them, as the packaging design used in production dates back to September 2023,” NAFDAC noted.

The agency explained how to distinguish genuine from fake products: the authentic Cowbell “Our Milk” is creamy, uses the revised PNG artwork “Our Creamy Goodness,” features laser-printed batch details, coded sachets, and automated vertical sealing and cutting. In contrast, counterfeit sachets appear less like milk, use the old PNG artwork “Our Milk,” have batch details printed with ink, codes placed outside the designated area, and manual sealing and cutting.

NAFDAC warned that consumption of counterfeit milk poses serious health risks, including exposure to toxic chemicals, unapproved additives, or diluted ingredients. Such products can lead to foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, organ damage, and in severe cases, death. Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly at risk.

The agency directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove counterfeit Cowbell 12g sachets from circulation. Distributors, retailers, and consumers were urged to exercise caution and ensure that all milk products are sourced from authorised suppliers.

NAFDAC also encouraged healthcare professionals and the public to report any suspected counterfeit products or adverse effects from such items to the nearest NAFDAC office, via the hotline 0800-162-3322, email sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng, or through the agency’s e-reporting platforms at www.nafdac.gov.ng and pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.