The emergence of fake Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet milk in circulation in Nigeria prompted a warning from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC on Friday.
Promasidor Nigeria Ltd., the marketing authorization holder and maker of Cowbell “Our Milk,” notified the agency of the presence of a product that closely resembles the authentic Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet Milk, according to the alert that was placed on the agency’s website.
This covers the unauthorized use of the trademark, NAFDAC registration number, brand name, and packaging design.
Since the company last used the fake packaging design for production in September 2023, NAFDAC stated, “The MAH has confirmed that these products are neither manufactured nor distributed by them.”
In order to differentiate, it stated that the real cowbell milk is creamy, that the packaging material is the updated PNG artwork “Our Creamy Goodness,” that the batch details are printed using laser printing, that the sachet’s coding area is coded, and that the vertical sides are sealed and cut automatically.
It claimed that the contents of the fake Cowbell 12g sachet milk did not appear to be milk, that the packaging material was an old PNG artwork called “Our Milk,” that the batch details were printed using ink rather than laser printing, that the coding was done on a different part of the sachet rather than the coding area, and that the vertical sides were manually sealed and cut.
Additionally, it stated that there are significant health and safety hazards associated with using or consuming fake Cowbell “Our Milk” milk.
Hazardous materials, such as hazardous compounds, unapproved additives, or diluted ingredients that don’t adhere to food safety regulations, may be included in such items.
“Eating fake milk can cause allergic reactions, foodborne illnesses, organ damage, and in extreme situations, death.” Pregnant women, elderly people, children, and infants are especially at risk.
All NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators were encouraged by the agency to carry out surveillance and seize the fake Cowbell 12g sachet Milk products in their respective states and zones.
In order to prevent the distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit milk products, distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain. “All food products must be obtained from authorised/licensed manufacturers/suppliers. The authenticity and physical condition of the products should be carefully checked.”
“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of sale of substandard and counterfeit food products to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC at 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.” In a similar vein, patients and healthcare professionals are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of counterfeited food products to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng or via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng,” the statement read.
