By John Umeh
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over the circulation of fake Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachets in Nigeria. The agency disclosed this in an official statement released on Thursday, August 22, cautioning the public against purchasing or consuming the counterfeit product.
According to NAFDAC, the original producers of Cowbell, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, discontinued the “Our Milk” variant in September 2023 and replaced it with Cowbell ‘Our Creamy Goodness’. This means that any Cowbell “Our Milk” product currently in circulation is fake.
The regulatory agency explained that the counterfeit sachets are packaged to look identical to the discontinued product, illegally displaying the Cowbell brand name, NAFDAC registration number, and packaging design, thereby deceiving unsuspecting consumers.
Health Risks from Fake Milk
NAFDAC warned that consuming counterfeit dairy products poses serious health hazards. Such products may contain toxic substances, unapproved additives, or diluted formulations, exposing consumers to foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, and possible organ damage. In extreme cases, death could result.
The agency stressed that infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of the adulterated milk.
Counterfeit Product Details Released
To guide the public in identifying the fake product, NAFDAC released the following details:
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Product Name: Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet
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Purported Manufacturer: Promasidor Nigeria Ltd (falsely claimed)
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Production Date: April 2025
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Expiry Date: December 2028
The agency clarified that Promasidor has no connection to the fake product, as it no longer manufactures Cowbell “Our Milk.”
Public Advisory
NAFDAC urged consumers and healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and report any suspicious sale of counterfeit or substandard milk products. Reports can be made to the nearest NAFDAC office, by calling 0800-162-3322, or via email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
The agency assured Nigerians that it remains committed to protecting public health by monitoring and removing dangerous counterfeit products from the market.
