The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians about counterfeit Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachets. This alert highlights growing concerns about consumer safety, product authenticity, and brand trust in the Nigerian market.
How the Counterfeit Alert Began
Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the authorised manufacturer of Cowbell products, raised the alarm after identifying fake sachets that closely mimic the genuine product. The counterfeit versions attempt to deceive unsuspecting consumers by copying Cowbell’s packaging design, NAFDAC registration number, and trademark details.
Promasidor explained that counterfeiters used packaging discontinued since September 2023. Any product still carrying the outdated design is fake and should be treated with suspicion. The company stressed that these fake products do not originate from them.
The Danger of Fake Sachets
The counterfeit sachets do not contain milk. While authentic Cowbell “Our Creamy Goodness” sachets provide fortified creamy milk, the fake versions contain a substance that fails to offer any nutritional value. This not only cheats consumers but also endangers their health.
How to Spot the Difference
Consumers can identify counterfeit sachets through several differences:
- Design: Genuine sachets now carry the revised PNG artwork with the tagline “Our Creamy Goodness.” Counterfeit sachets still use the older “Our Milk” design.
- Batch coding: Genuine Cowbell sachets use laser printing, which is clear and precise. Fake versions rely on ink printing, which often looks faint or inconsistent.
- Packaging quality: Authentic Cowbell sachets feature automated sealing and cutting, with codes placed correctly. Fake products often show irregular sealing and misplaced codes, signs of manual handling.
Why Consumer Vigilance Matters
Counterfeit products do more than harm trusted brands. They pose health risks, erode confidence in regulatory systems, and damage the economy. For a brand like Cowbell, trusted by millions of Nigerian households, counterfeit products directly attack both its reputation and consumer trust.
Steps Consumers and Retailers Should Take
NAFDAC has called for public vigilance, but everyone has a role to play. Consumers should carefully inspect packaging, pay attention to batch coding, and buy only from trusted retailers. Retailers and distributors should report suspicious products immediately to NAFDAC.
The fight against counterfeit goods requires collaboration. Regulators, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers must work together to protect trust in Nigerian brands and safeguard public health. With strong awareness and enforcement, fake products can be removed from circulation, restoring confidence in authentic, quality brands like Cowbell.
