The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public to the circulation of fake Cowbell 12g sachet milk in various parts of the country.
In a public notification issued on Friday, the agency disclosed that it received information from Promasidor Nigeria Limited—the official manufacturer and marketing rights holder of the Cowbell “Our Milk” brand—concerning the discovery of counterfeit versions of its popular 12g sachet product in the market.
According to NAFDAC, the counterfeit milk products closely mimic the original in name, packaging, logo, and even carry a falsified NAFDAC registration number. However, Promasidor confirmed that these products are not produced, distributed, or authorised by the company, noting that the packaging design being copied was last used in September 2023.
The agency explained that the fake products can be distinguished from the authentic ones through several notable differences. While the genuine Cowbell 12g sachet is creamy and uses updated packaging with the label “Our Creamy Goodness”, the fake version uses the outdated “Our Milk” design. Additionally, the original milk features batch numbers printed using laser technology and proper coding placement, with automated sealing along the edges. The counterfeit product, on the other hand, uses ink for batch details, has its coding misplaced, and shows signs of manual sealing, which often results in uneven or poorly cut edges.
NAFDAC warned that the consumption of such counterfeit milk products poses serious health hazards. The agency stated that fake milk may contain harmful substances, unsafe additives, or diluted ingredients that fail to meet established food safety standards. It added that consumption could result in foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, long-term organ damage, or, in extreme cases, death.
“Vulnerable groups such as infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly at risk,” the agency noted.
In response, NAFDAC has directed all its zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify market surveillance and remove the fake Cowbell 12g sachets from circulation. It also urged members of the public, particularly distributors, retailers, and consumers, to exercise greater caution when buying and selling milk products.
NAFDAC advised consumers to purchase food items only from authorised suppliers and to inspect packaging details carefully for any irregularities. It encouraged healthcare professionals and the general public to report any suspected cases of counterfeit or substandard food products to the nearest NAFDAC office. Reports can also be made through the agency’s official helpline at 0800-162-3322, via email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng, or through the e-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website.
The agency also reminded health workers and consumers to report any adverse effects related to the consumption of such products to the pharmacovigilance department at pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.
NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health and assured Nigerians that it is taking all necessary steps to curtail the spread of counterfeit food products in the country.
