Residents in Lagos have been warned to stay away from spoiled tomatoes popularly known as “Ata Esha” after health officials raised concerns over dangerous toxins linked to cancer and liver damage.
The Lagos State Government issued the warning through the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency.
Authorities revealed that fungus-infested tomatoes may contain harmful substances capable of causing long-term health problems.
According to officials, many residents unknowingly buy the cheaper spoiled tomatoes because of rising food prices.
However, experts warned that the health consequences could become deadly if the products are consumed regularly.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, Afolabi Solebo, advised residents to carefully inspect tomatoes before buying them from markets and roadside sellers.
He warned consumers to avoid tomatoes showing white, black, or green fungal growth. Furthermore, he explained that harmful fungi found on spoiled tomatoes could produce aflatoxins, which are dangerous to human health.
Speaking on the issue, Solebo stated, “A healthy person is determined by what he or she consumes from time to time.”
He also explained that many people wrongly believe cooking contaminated tomatoes makes them safe for consumption. However, he stressed that the harmful toxins often remain active even after cooking.
“Cooking, boiling, or frying contaminated tomatoes may not eliminate the harmful toxins, thereby making such food unsafe for human consumption,” he said.
Meanwhile, the agency urged residents not to prioritize cheap prices over their safety. Many buyers reportedly choose spoiled tomatoes because they are sold at lower rates in some markets.
Moreover, Solebo encouraged residents to properly dispose of mouldy food items instead of attempting to salvage them for cooking. He added that unsafe food products should be reported to the appropriate authorities immediately.
The Lagos government also confirmed that monitoring teams have been deployed to markets across the state.
The teams are expected to identify traders selling contaminated food items and ensure strict enforcement of food safety regulations.
In addition, officials urged residents to remain vigilant while purchasing vegetables, fruits, and packaged products from local markets.
Solebo further reminded consumers about their rights and responsibilities regarding food safety and public health.
According to him, “Consumers have fundamental rights as well as responsibilities, including being well-informed about products and services, speaking out against unfair practices, and making ethical and environmentally conscious choices.”
Meanwhile, health experts believe increased awareness could help reduce illnesses linked to contaminated food products across Lagos State and beyond.
