Special Report by SpringNewsNG: NAFDAC Warns Nigerians Over Circulation of Fake Cowbell Milk
Story Written by springnewsng August 27,2025
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a strong warning to Nigerians about the circulation of counterfeit Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachets, saying the fake product poses serious health risks to consumers.
In an alert released on Friday, August 22, NAFDAC revealed that the fake product was discovered after Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, makers of Cowbell milk, reported that criminal syndicates had illegally reproduced its packaging, trademark, and registration number.
According to the agency, the counterfeit milk was repackaged using an outdated design that Promasidor stopped using in September 2023.
How to Identify the Fake Product
NAFDAC noted that while the counterfeit sachets appear similar to the original, there are clear differences:
- The fake milk lacks the creamy texture of genuine Cowbell milk.
- Packaging shows poor sealing and substandard coding.
- Unlike the original product, which is laser-printed, the counterfeit sachets carry batch details printed with ink.
The agency warned that consuming the fake milk could cause foodborne diseases, allergic reactions, or even organ damage. Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly were identified as the most vulnerable groups.
NAFDAC Moves to Mop Up Fake Milk
To curb the spread, NAFDAC said its state coordinators and zonal directors have been directed to launch surveillance and mop-up operations nationwide.
The agency also urged Nigerians to:
- Buy milk only from licensed distributors.
- Carefully inspect products before consumption.
- Report suspicious or counterfeit items to NAFDAC hotlines or via official email.
Healthcare professionals were also called upon to report adverse reactions linked to counterfeit foods through the agency’s pharmacovigilance platforms.
“All NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to conduct surveillance and mop up the counterfeit Cowbell 12g sachet milk products within their zones and states. Distributors, retailers, and consumers must remain vigilant to prevent further distribution of this harmful product,” the agency stressed.
