The Lagos State Government has cautioned residents against eating spoiled or fungus-infested tomatoes, commonly referred to as “Ata Esha,” over potential health dangers linked to contaminated food products.
The warning was issued by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) in a statement shared on the state government’s official X account on Sunday.
The agency’s General Manager, Afolabi Solebo, advised consumers to avoid tomatoes showing signs of fungal contamination, including white, green, or black mold.
According to him, fungi growing on spoiled tomatoes can produce dangerous toxins such as aflatoxins, which are associated with serious health conditions, including liver damage.
Solebo stressed the importance of consuming safe and healthy food, noting that proper nutrition plays a major role in overall wellbeing.
He also warned that cooking or frying contaminated tomatoes may not remove the harmful toxins, making the products unsafe for consumption even after preparation.
The LASCOPA boss further urged residents not to buy spoiled tomatoes simply because they are cheaper, emphasizing that health and safety should come before cost.
Consumers were encouraged to inspect food items carefully before purchase and avoid any visibly spoiled or moldy products.
He also advised residents to dispose of contaminated food properly and report traders selling expired or unsafe products to relevant government authorities responsible for public health and consumer protection.
Solebo added that consumers have both rights and responsibilities, including staying informed about products, reporting unsafe practices, and making responsible purchasing decisions.
He disclosed that monitoring and enforcement teams had been deployed to markets across Lagos to identify and arrest traders involved in the sale of unsafe food items.
