The Lagos State Government has warned residents against consuming spoiled or fungus-infested tomatoes, popularly known as “Ata Esha,” over concerns about serious health risks.
The warning was issued by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, which said mouldy tomatoes may contain dangerous toxins capable of causing severe health complications.
Speaking in a statement released on Sunday, the agency’s General Manager, Afolabi Solebo, advised consumers to avoid tomatoes with visible white, green or black fungal growth.
According to him, fungi found on spoiled tomatoes can produce harmful substances such as aflatoxins, which have been linked to liver damage and other related illnesses.
Solebo stressed that preparing contaminated tomatoes through cooking, boiling or frying does not necessarily eliminate the toxins, making them unsafe for consumption.
“A healthy person is determined by what he or she consumes from time to time,” he said.
He also cautioned residents against buying spoiled tomatoes simply because they are cheaper, noting that public health and safety should take priority over cost.
The consumer protection agency urged Lagos residents to properly inspect food items before purchase and avoid visibly mouldy or rotten products.
Consumers were also encouraged to dispose of contaminated food safely and report traders selling unsafe or expired food items to relevant government authorities.
Solebo added that enforcement and monitoring teams had been deployed to markets across the state to clamp down on the sale of unsafe food products.
He further reminded residents of their rights and responsibilities as consumers, including staying informed about products, speaking against unfair practices and making responsible purchasing decisions.
