The Lagos State Government has warned residents to stop buying or eating spoiled tomatoes, commonly called “Ata Esha,” due to the serious health risks linked to fungus-contaminated food.
The warning was issued through the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), which advised consumers to avoid tomatoes showing signs of mould, especially those with white, green, or black fungal patches.
Speaking on the issue, the agency’s General Manager, Afolabi Solebo, explained that rotten tomatoes can contain harmful toxins produced by fungi.
According to him, some of these toxins, including aflatoxins, may lead to serious health complications such as liver damage and other illnesses.
He also warned that cooking, frying, or boiling contaminated tomatoes may not completely remove the dangerous substances, meaning the food can still remain harmful after preparation.
Solebo urged residents not to risk their health simply because spoiled food items are sold at cheaper prices in the market.
He advised consumers to carefully inspect food products before purchasing them and avoid any tomatoes or food items that appear mouldy, rotten, or contaminated.
The LASCOPA boss also encouraged residents to properly dispose of spoiled food and report traders selling unsafe or expired products to relevant government agencies responsible for health and consumer protection.
According to him, consumers have a responsibility to stay informed, protect their health, and speak up against unsafe practices in the market.
He further revealed that monitoring and enforcement teams have already been sent to different markets across Lagos State to identify and arrest traders involved in the sale of unhealthy food products.