Nigerians have been urged to verify the authenticity of popular food, beverage and household products before buying or consuming them, following claims that counterfeit versions of widely sold brands are being distributed across the country.
The products identified in the video include Cowbell Our Milk, Arla Dano Full Cream Milk Powder, Peak Milk, Big Bull Rice, Cap Rice, Stallion Rice, Royal Stallion Rice, Tomato Rice, Mama Pride Rice, BUA Rice, Whippy Real Mayonnaise and Ginny Non-Dairy Creamer.
The list also includes Sprite 50cl, Fanta, Coca-Cola, Schweppes, Lacasera, Hollandia Yoghurt, Super Commando Energy Drink, Feyrouz, Amstel Malta, Peak Sachet Milk, Peak Chocolate Drink, Miksi Sachet Milk and Japata Alcoholic Bitters.
According to the information circulated in the video, the warning does not mean the named brands themselves are fake. Rather, counterfeiters are allegedly producing imitations of genuine products and putting them into circulation, creating a risk for unsuspecting consumers.
Brandspur Brand News understands that consumers are being encouraged to pay particular attention to product registration and identification details when purchasing packaged goods.
One of the verification methods highlighted involves checking the NAFDAC registration number printed on a product. Consumers can use the number to search NAFDAC’s official database and determine whether the product has been registered.
The video also advises consumers to examine the barcode and other identification information printed on packaging. Where a manufacturer’s official verification platform is available, consumers can use the relevant product or barcode details to cross-check the authenticity of what they are buying.
The advice is particularly relevant for products such as milk, drinks, rice and other packaged food items that are purchased regularly by households across Nigeria.
Consumers are also advised to exercise caution when purchasing products from unfamiliar sellers or outlets and to check packaging and registration details before use.
The warning highlights the difficulty consumers can face when counterfeit products are made to resemble familiar brands. Checking registration and product information provides an additional step that can help buyers distinguish legitimate products from suspected imitations.
