The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning about the circulation of counterfeit Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet milk in Nigeria.
In an alert (Public Alert No. 026/2025) shared on its website and X platform on Friday, August 22, 2025, NAFDAC said it was informed by Promasidor Nigeria Ltd., the official manufacturer of Cowbell products, that some fake versions of its milk are being sold in the country.
According to NAFDAC, the counterfeit product looks very similar to the original Cowbell “Our Milk” sachet. It carries the brand name, NAFDAC registration number, and packaging design, but the company confirmed it is not produced or distributed by them. Promasidor explained that the fake packaging is an old design that was last used in September 2023.
How to Spot the Fake Product
NAFDAC outlined the differences between the genuine and counterfeit Cowbell milk:
- Content: Real Cowbell contains creamy milk, while the fake does not look like milk.
- Packaging: The genuine product uses the new design “Our Creamy Goodness,” while the counterfeit still uses the old “Our Milk” design.
- Batch Printing: Genuine Cowbell uses laser printing, but the fake uses ordinary ink.
- Coding: On the real product, coding is done in the correct coding area. On the fake, it is placed in the wrong area.
- Sealing: Genuine Cowbell sachets are sealed and cut by machines, while the counterfeit ones look like they were cut manually.
Health Risks
NAFDAC warned that consuming counterfeit Cowbell milk is dangerous because it may contain harmful chemicals, unapproved additives, or diluted ingredients. This could cause food poisoning, allergic reactions, organ damage, and in severe cases, even death.
Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are most at risk if they consume the fake product.
Fake Product Details
- Product Name: Cowbell Our Milk 12g
- Fake Manufacturer: Claimed to be Promasidor Nigeria Ltd.
- Production Date: April 2025
- Expiry Date: December 2028
NAFDAC’s Action and Public Advice
NAFDAC said all its zonal directors and state coordinators have been ordered to track down and remove the counterfeit milk from shops across the country.
Distributors, retailers, and consumers are urged to:
- Buy only from authorized suppliers.
- Check packaging carefully before purchase.
- Report any suspicious products immediately.
Healthcare professionals and consumers can report counterfeit products through:
- The nearest NAFDAC office
- The hotline: 0800-162-3322
- Email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
- The e-reporting platform on www.nafdac.gov.ng
- Or email: pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng
NAFDAC reminded the public that it remains “Customer-focused, Agency-minded.”
