Brands/Products
NAFDAC Alerts Consumers of Counterfeit Cowbell Sachets in Nigeria
By Adedapo Adesanya
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning regarding the circulation of counterfeit Cowbell 12g sachets across Nigeria.
The alert followed reports from Promasidor Nigeria Limited, the manufacturer of the genuine product, which confirmed that the fake sachets were neither produced nor distributed by them.
It noted that the packaging design used in the counterfeit product was last employed by the company in September 2023 .
Authorities have flagged several key differences between the authentic and counterfeit sachets:
It noted that genuine Cowbell Our Milk sachets contain creamy milk, while the counterfeit versions contain a substance that does not appear to be milk.
The genuine product also features revised PNG artwork labeled Our Creamy Goodness. In contrast, the counterfeit uses outdated PNG artwork simply titled Our Milk.
NAFDAC also noted that authentic packaging includes batch details printed with laser technology and placed in designated coding areas, whereas the counterfeit features ink printing and encodes information in incorrect locations on the sachet.
It further added that genuine products are sealed and cut on the vertical sides using automated machinery. Counterfeit sachets, however, exhibit manual sealing and cutting .
NAFDAC used the medium to issue.a stern risk warning, noting that the consumption of counterfeit milk can pose serious health and safety threats. These may include exposure to toxic substances, unapproved additives, or diluted ingredients that fail to meet food safety standards. Potential outcomes range from foodborne illness and allergic reactions to organ damage or even death, particularly among vulnerable groups such as infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals .
NAFDAC said it has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance operations and remove the fake products from circulation within their respective jurisdictions .
The agency has also urged importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and consumers to exercise heightened vigilance across the supply chain.
Buyers should ensure products are obtained only from authorized or licensed manufacturers and suppliers. Product authenticity and physical condition must be carefully checked before use, it warned.
“To report suspected counterfeit or substandard food products, individuals are encouraged to contact their nearest NAFDAC office, call the dedicated hotline at 0800-162-3322, or email sf******@********ov.ng. Healthcare professionals and consumers may also report adverse effects through the agency’s e-reporting platforms on the NAFDAC website or via ph***************@********ov.ng,” it added.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The chief executive of Canal+ Africa, Mr David Mignot, has disclosed that MultiChoice is now fully integrated into the media group.
Mr Mignot disclosed this via a statement issued on Thursday, noting that this development marks a new phase in the evolution of one of Africa’s leading pay television operators.
He noted that the integration positions MultiChoice within a global media organisation with an extensive international footprint.
“MultiChoice is now a full subsidiary of a truly international media group operating in 70 countries. The group was founded in France, is listed in London and Johannesburg, and has a strong African presence with operations in more than 45 countries,” Mr Mignot said.
The statement underscores the scale of the combined business, highlighting Canal+’s global reach alongside its significant investments across Africa.
The completion of the transaction is expected to strengthen MultiChoice’s position in the African media and entertainment market by giving it access to the broader resources, expertise and international capabilities of the Canal+ Group, while reinforcing the group’s commitment to the continent.
MultiChoice operates across sub-Saharan Africa through platforms including DStv and GOtv, serving millions of subscribers with entertainment, sports and news content.
By Adedapo Adesanya
FoodCourt, a Nigerian cloud kitchen startup backed by Y Combinator, has suspended operations after months of unpaid salaries and mounting debts to vendors triggered a staff strike and forced the company to halt customer orders, according to a report by TechCabal.
The publication reported that customers first noticed on March 4 that they could no longer place orders through the FoodCourt app after the company disabled ordering as kitchen workers, delivery personnel and branch staff embarked on strike over unpaid wages. The company also owed outstanding payments to vendors.
By April 19, FoodCourt had temporarily shut its last operating branch after suspending activities across its Lagos and Abuja locations while seeking fresh funding and restructuring the business, according to the report.
The company’s chief executive, Mr Henry Nneji, said the decision to pause operations was not caused by a single issue but by a combination of operational, organisational and working-capital challenges.
“It’s important to clarify that the decision to pause operations wasn’t driven by one single issue. We reached a point where it became clear that continuing to patch those issues while operating wasn’t the right long-term decision,” he said.
“The objective is to build a stronger business than the one that existed before the suspension. We fully intend to bring FoodCourt back,” he added in an emailed response.
The company acknowledged outstanding obligations to employees, vendors, riders and service providers, but declined to disclose the number of affected workers or the total amount owed. It said efforts were underway to resolve the liabilities as part of its restructuring process.
It was also reported that the startup’s financial difficulties worsened after expansion into additional locations increased operating costs, while its cloud kitchen model came under pressure from rising labour, logistics, food and marketing expenses.
Despite the shutdown, Mr Nneji said FoodCourt intends to relaunch after completing its restructuring, adding that the company believes demand for its products remains strong.
Founded in 2021 by Henry Nneji and Paul Adokiye Iruene, FoodCourt operates cloud kitchens under multiple virtual restaurant brands through its consumer app. According to TechCabal, the startup had previously disclosed raising $1.7 million, delivering more than one million meals and reaching $4.3 million in annual recurring revenue by the end of 2024.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
To further reinforce its commitment to continuous enhancement of customer experience through menu innovation and quality improvements, Chicken Republic, Nigeria’s leading quick-service restaurant brand and a flagship brand of Food Concepts Plc, has improved its Smokey Jollof recipe across restaurants nationwide.
As a customer-centric brand, Chicken Republic regularly evaluates consumer feedback, dining trends, and product performance to ensure its menu continues to deliver the quality and value to which customers have become accustomed.
The updated Smokey Jollof is part of this ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.
The refreshed recipe represents the latest evolution of one of the brand’s most popular offerings.
Developed with a focus on richer flavour, greater consistency and an even more satisfying eating experience, the improved Smokey Jollof reflects Chicken Republic’s dedication to meeting the evolving tastes and expectations of its customers.
“At Chicken Republic, our customers are at the heart of every decision we make. We are constantly listening, learning and looking for ways to improve the experience we deliver.
“The improved Smokey Jollof is a reflection of that commitment. We’ve refined the recipe to deliver an even richer, more enjoyable taste experience while maintaining the flavour profile our customers know and love,” the Managing Director of Food Concept, Mr Olumide Aniyikaiye, stated.
“Great brands evolve with their consumers. This update is not about changing what people love, but about making it even better.
“We are confident that customers will enjoy the improved recipe and appreciate the attention we continue to invest in delivering quality meals every day,” Mr Aniyokaiye added.
The improved Smokey Jollof is now available at Chicken Republic outlets nationwide, allowing customers to experience a more flavourful and consistent version of a fan-favourite menu item.
This latest enhancement underscores Chicken Republic’s broader commitment to innovation, quality and creating memorable meal experiences for customers across Nigeria.
