The Lagos State Government has warned residents against consuming spoiled or fungus-infested tomatoes, popularly known as “Ata Esha,” citing serious health risks linked to such products.
The warning was issued on Sunday by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) in a statement shared via the state government’s official X handle.
General Manager of the agency, Afolabi Solebo, urged consumers to avoid buying or eating tomatoes showing visible white, green or black fungal growth.
According to him, fungi found on spoiled tomatoes may produce dangerous toxins, including aflatoxins, which can cause severe health complications such as liver damage and related diseases.
Solebo stressed that cooking, boiling or frying contaminated tomatoes does not eliminate the harmful toxins, warning that such food remains 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 purchasing spoiled tomatoes because they are cheaper, noting that health and safety should take priority over cost considerations.
The LASCOPA boss advised consumers to carefully inspect food items before purchase and avoid visibly mouldy or spoiled tomatoes and other food products.
He further urged residents to properly dispose of contaminated food items and report the sale of unsafe, expired or spoiled products to relevant government agencies responsible for public health and consumer protection.
Solebo added that government monitoring and enforcement teams have been deployed to markets across the state to apprehend traders involved in the sale of unsafe food products.
