By Emeka Blast 
NAFDAC Issues Warning Over Fake Cowbell ‘Our Milk’ Products
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an urgent public alert warning Nigerians about the circulation of counterfeit Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachets across the country, describing the fake product as a serious health hazard. The agency, in a statement released on Friday, August 22, 2025, revealed that Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the official manufacturer of Cowbell products, ceased production of the “Our Milk” variant in September 2023, replacing it with Cowbell “Our Creamy Goodness.” Despite this, counterfeiters have flooded markets with fake sachets mimicking the discontinued packaging, prompting widespread concern.
NAFDAC disclosed that the counterfeit sachets, falsely labeled as manufactured by Promasidor, bear unauthorized use of the Cowbell brand name, NAFDAC registration number, and old “Our Milk” packaging design. The agency highlighted key differences to help consumers identify fakes: authentic sachets contain creamy milk, feature laser-printed batch details in the designated coding area, and have automated sealing, while counterfeits contain a non-milk substance, use ink-printed details misplaced on the sachet, and show rough, manual sealing. The fake products also display a production date of April 2025 and an expiry date of December 2028, per Premium Times.
“Consumption of these counterfeit products poses serious health risks, including exposure to toxic chemicals, unapproved additives, or diluted ingredients,” NAFDAC warned in its Public Alert No. 026/2025, posted on its website. The agency noted that such consumption could lead to foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, organ damage, or even death, with infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly being particularly vulnerable. @NAFDACAgency tweeted, “ALERT: Fake Cowbell ‘Our Milk’ 12g sachets in circulation! Check for ‘Our Creamy Goodness’ packaging. Report fakes to us! #NafdacALERTS.”
Promasidor Nigeria Ltd confirmed to NAFDAC that the counterfeit sachets are neither manufactured nor distributed by them, emphasizing that the old “Our Milk” design was discontinued nearly two years ago. The company urged consumers to purchase only from licensed suppliers and inspect products for authenticity. NAFDAC has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and mop up counterfeit sachets, particularly in markets in Nasarawa and Kano, where fakes have been reported, per Pulse Nigeria.
Public reaction has been swift, with @NaijaGist tweeting, “NAFDAC exposes fake Cowbell milk! Nigerians, stay sharp and check your sachets! #CounterfeitMilk,” while @EagleEyeNG posted, “Fake milk can kill? NAFDAC needs to arrest these counterfeiters fast! #ProtectNigerians.” Some users, like @TruthSeekerNG, expressed frustration, tweeting, “Why is NAFDAC always reacting after fakes spread? Where’s the prevention?” The agency has urged consumers to report suspicious products to its nearest office, via the toll-free hotline 0800-162-3322, or email sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
This alert follows NAFDAC’s recent crackdown on counterfeit goods, including the seizure of 10,000 cartons of fake tomato paste and toothpaste worth ₦1.5 billion at Lagos Trade Fair Market on August 13, as reported by @NigeriaStories on X. The circulation of fake milk underscores ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s fight against counterfeit food products, which threaten public health and undermine trust in local markets.
