NAFDAC Issues Warning About Counterfeit Milk in Circulation

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert regarding the circulation of counterfeit Cowbell "Our Milk" 12g sachets in Nigeria.

According to a notice posted on its website, Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the authorised manufacturer and marketing holder of Cowbell “Our Milk” alerted NAFDAC to the presence of a counterfeit product that closely mimics the original 12g sachet.

The counterfeit version reportedly uses the Cowbell brand name, packaging design, NAFDAC registration number, and trademark without authorization. Promasidor confirmed that it neither manufactured nor distributed these fake products, noting that the packaging style being copied was last used by the company in September 2023.

To help consumers identify the fake product, NAFDAC highlighted several differences:

• Genuine Cowbell Milk: Creamy in texture, uses updated PNG artwork labeled "Our Creamy Goodness", batch details are laser printed, coding is placed in the designated coding area, and the sachet is machine-sealed and cut on the vertical sides.

• Counterfeit Version: Contents do not resemble real milk, uses outdated PNG artwork labeled "Our Milk", batch details are ink-printed instead of laser printed, coding is placed incorrectly, and the sachet appears to be manually sealed and cut.

NAFDAC warned that consuming counterfeit milk poses serious health risks, as such products may contain toxic substances, unapproved additives, or diluted ingredients that fail to meet safety standards. Potential health consequences include foodborne illness, allergic reactions, organ damage, or even death particularly among vulnerable groups such as infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

The agency has instructed all zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and remove the fake products from circulation within their jurisdictions.

NAFDAC also urged distributors, retailers, and consumers to be cautious and vigilant across the supply chain, advising that food products should only be sourced from authorised manufacturers or suppliers. Consumers are encouraged to inspect product authenticity and condition before use.

Suspected cases of counterfeit or substandard food products should be reported to the nearest NAFDAC office, via the toll-free number 0800-162-3322, or by email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

Additionally, adverse reactions or side effects linked to counterfeit products should be reported through NAFDAC’s e-reporting platforms on www.nafdac.gov.ng or by email at pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.