The Lagos State Government has warned residents against consuming spoiled or fungus-infested tomatoes, popularly known as “Ata Esha,” over health risks linked to contaminated food products.
The warning was issued on Sunday by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) in a statement shared through the state government’s official X handle.
The General Manager of the agency, Afolabi Solebo, advised residents to avoid buying or eating tomatoes showing visible signs of fungal growth, including white, green or black mould.
According to him, fungi found on spoiled tomatoes may produce dangerous toxins such as aflatoxins, which can lead to serious health conditions, including liver damage and other related illnesses.
Speaking on food safety, Solebo stressed the importance of healthy eating habits.
“A healthy person is determined by what he or she consumes from time to time,” he said.
He further warned that cooking, boiling or frying contaminated tomatoes may not destroy the harmful toxins, making such food unsafe for consumption.
The LASCOPA boss also cautioned residents against buying spoiled tomatoes simply because they are cheaper, emphasising that health and safety should always come before cost.
He urged consumers to carefully inspect food items before purchase and avoid visibly mouldy or spoiled tomatoes and other food products.
Solebo also advised residents to properly dispose of contaminated food items and report the sale of expired, unsafe or spoiled products to the relevant government agencies responsible for consumer protection and public health.
He added that consumers have rights and responsibilities, including staying informed about products, speaking against unfair practices and making safe and environmentally responsible choices.
According to him, monitoring and enforcement teams have already been deployed to markets across Lagos to arrest traders involved in the sale of unsafe food products.
