The Lagos State Government has cautioned residents against purchasing or consuming spoiled tomatoes, commonly referred to as “Ata Esha,” due to the health risks linked to fungus-contaminated food items.
The warning was issued by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), which advised the public to avoid tomatoes showing visible signs of white, green, or black fungal growth.
The General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, explained that fungi found on rotten tomatoes can produce harmful toxins, including aflatoxins, which are capable of causing serious health issues such as liver damage and other related diseases.
He further noted that contaminated tomatoes remain unsafe even after cooking, boiling, or frying, as the toxins may not be completely eliminated by heat.
According to him, “a healthy person is determined by what he or she consumes from time to time.”
Solebo urged consumers not to compromise their health for cheaper prices when buying food items in the market.
He also encouraged residents to carefully inspect food products before purchase and avoid any tomatoes or other food items that appear mouldy or contaminated.
In addition, he advised the public to properly dispose of spoiled food and report the sale of unsafe or expired products to relevant government agencies responsible for health, environmental safety, and consumer protection.
He stressed that consumers have both rights and responsibilities, including staying informed about products, reporting unfair practices, and making environmentally conscious decisions.
Solebo disclosed that monitoring and enforcement teams have already been deployed across markets in Lagos State to apprehend traders selling unsafe food items.
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