NAFDAC Raises Alarm as Fake Cowbell Milk Floods Market
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised the alarm over the circulation of counterfeit Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet milk in Nigeria, warning of potential health risks to consumers.
OTN News further reports as gathered that in a public alert issued on Friday via its official website, NAFDAC disclosed that Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the marketing authorisation holder and manufacturer of Cowbell “Our Milk,” notified the agency of the fake product, which closely resembles the genuine version.
According to NAFDAC, the counterfeit milk product bears unauthorised use of the Cowbell brand name, packaging design, NAFDAC registration number, and trademark.
The agency noted that the fraudulent packaging design had been phased out by Promasidor since September 2023.
Highlighting the differences, NAFDAC explained that the genuine Cowbell “Our Milk” sachet is creamy, carries the new “Our Creamy Goodness” PNG artwork, features batch details printed with laser technology, proper coding in the designated area, and automated sealing and cutting on the vertical sides.
Genuine Cowbell 12g sachet milk
In contrast, the counterfeit version reportedly contains substances that do not resemble milk, uses the outdated “Our Milk” artwork, has ink-printed batch details instead of laser printing, misplaced coding, and manually sealed and cut edges.
Counterfeit Cowbell 12g sachet milk.
The agency warned that consumption of the fake milk poses “serious health and safety risks,” including foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, organ damage, or even death in severe cases. Vulnerable groups such as infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are said to be at greater risk.
However, to curb the spread, NAFDAC has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and mop up the counterfeit product across the country.
It further urged distributors, retailers, and consumers to remain vigilant, purchase food products only from authorised suppliers, and carefully check packaging authenticity.
The agency also called on healthcare professionals and consumers to report suspected cases of substandard or counterfeit food products to the nearest NAFDAC office, through its toll-free number 0800-162-3322, or via email at 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 added.
NAFDAC stressed that its ongoing crackdown aims to safeguard public health and prevent further distribution of the harmful fake Cowbell milk.
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