The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Friday issued a warning over the circulation of counterfeit Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachets in Nigeria. In a public notice on its website, NAFDAC explained that Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the authorised manufacturer and marketing rights holder of Cowbell “Our Milk,” had alerted the agency to the presence of fake products designed to closely mimic the original. According to the agency, the counterfeit versions illegally use the brand name, packaging style, NAFDAC registration number, and trademark. Promasidor further confirmed that the fake products are not produced or distributed by them, noting that the packaging design being copied was last legitimately used in September 2023. To help consumers identify the genuine product, NAFDAC highlighted key differences: authentic Cowbell “Our Milk” is creamy, packaged with the updated PNG “Our Creamy Goodness” artwork, carries batch details printed with laser technology, has coding on the designated coding area of the sachet, and features automated sealing and cutting along the vertical edges. It said the content of the counterfeit Cowbell 12g sachet milk does not seem like milk, the packaging material used is the old PNG artwork “Our Milk”, the printing of the batch details was done with ink instead of laser printing, the coding was not done on the coding area but on a different part of the sachet, and the sealing and cutting on the vertical sides were manually done. It added, “The use or consumption of counterfeit Cowbell ‘Our Milk’ Milk presents serious health and safety risks. “Such products may contain harmful substances, including toxic chemicals, unapproved additives, or diluted ingredients that do not meet food safety standards. “Consumption of counterfeit milk can result in foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, organ damage, or even death in severe cases. Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.” The agency urged all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and mop up the counterfeit Cowbell 12g sachet Milk products within their zones and states. “Distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to prevent the distribution, sale, and use of the counterfeit milk product. “All food products must be obtained from authorised/licensed manufacturers/suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition 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 on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng “Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of counterfeited food products to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng or via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng,” it said.