The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Friday raised the alarm over the circulation of counterfeit Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet in Nigeria.
In an alert posted on its website, the agency disclosed that Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the marketing authorisation holder and manufacturer of Cowbell “Our Milk,” had informed it about the existence of a fake product bearing a striking resemblance to the genuine Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet.
“This includes unauthorised use of the brand name, packaging design, NAFDAC registration number, and trademark.
“The MAH has confirmed that these products are neither manufactured or distributed by them as the counterfeit packaging design was last used for production by the company in September 2023,” NAFDAC noted.
Differentiating between both products, the agency explained that the genuine Cowbell milk is creamy, packaged with the revised PNG artwork “Our Creamy Goodness,” and bears batch details printed with laser technology. The coding is done on a designated area of the sachet, while the sealing and cutting on the vertical sides are automated.
In contrast, it said the counterfeit Cowbell 12g sachet “does not seem like milk.” The packaging material used is the old PNG artwork “Our Milk,” with batch details printed using ink instead of laser printing. The coding appears on the wrong area of the sachet, while the sealing and cutting on the vertical sides were done manually.
Warning of the dangers, NAFDAC stressed: “The use or consumption of counterfeit Cowbell ‘Our Milk’ Milk presents serious health and safety risks. Such products may contain harmful substances, including toxic chemicals, unapproved additives, or diluted ingredients that do not meet food safety standards. Consumption of counterfeit milk can result in foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, organ damage, or even death in severe cases. Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.”
To tackle the menace, the agency directed all its zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and mop up the counterfeit products within their jurisdictions.
“Distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to prevent the distribution, sale, and use of the counterfeit milk product. All food products must be obtained from authorised/licensed manufacturers/suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked,” the agency said.
It further appealed to healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and counterfeit food products to the nearest NAFDAC office, by calling 0800-162-3322 or via email at [email protected].
“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 [email protected],” the statement added.
