NIGERIA: NAFDAC Warns Public Over Circulation Of Fake Cowbell ‘Our Milk’ Sachets

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sounded the alarm on counterfeit 12g Cowbell “Our Milk” sachets currently being sold in parts of Nigeria.

According to a public safety alert issued on Friday through the agency’s official website, it was noted that the Promasidor Nigeria Ltd , the legitimate manufacturer of Cowbell products, confirmed the fake version mimics its branding but has not been produced or authorized by the company. The counterfeit variant reportedly uses outdated packaging, falsifies NAFDAC numbers, and fails to meet safety standards.

Promasidor noted its last use of the old “Our Milk” packaging design was in September 2023, while the fake sachets still bear that artwork. Other telltale signs include manually sealed edges, ink-printed batch codes on the wrong section of the sachet, and contents that don’t resemble creamy milk.

NAFDAC warned that consuming such adulterated milk poses serious health hazards. Possible risks include foodborne illness, toxic exposure, allergic reactions, and in extreme cases organ damage or death, with vulnerable groups like infants, pregnant women and the elderly at highest risk.

The agency has instructed all its zonal directors and state coordinators to seize and remove the counterfeit sachets wherever they are found. NAFDAC also urged distributors and retailers to verify stock authenticity and buy only from authorized suppliers.

Consumers and health professionals are encouraged to report suspected counterfeit food products to NAFDAC via 0800-1-623322 or email sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng. Adverse reactions linked to fake food items should also be reported through NAFDAC’s e-reporting channels available on its official website.

“NAFDAC remains committed to safeguarding public health and ensuring that only genuine, quality-regulated products reach Nigerian consumers,” the agency stated.