The Lagos State Government has warned residents against consuming spoiled or fungus-infested tomatoes, popularly known as “Ata Esha,” over the health dangers linked to contaminated food products.
The warning was issued by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency in a statement shared on the official X handle of the state government.
General Manager of the agency, Mr Afolabi Solebo, advised consumers to avoid buying or eating tomatoes with visible white, green, or black fungal growth.
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 diseases.
Mr Solebo stressed that proper nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining good health, noting that the quality of food consumed directly affects human wellbeing.
He further explained that cooking, boiling, or frying contaminated tomatoes does not completely remove harmful toxins, making such food unsafe for consumption.
The Consumer Protection Agency urged residents to carefully inspect food items before purchase and avoid visibly spoiled or mouldy products.
Consumers were also advised to properly dispose of contaminated food items and report traders selling unsafe or expired products to relevant government authorities.
Mr Solebo added that consumers have the responsibility to stay informed about the products they purchase and speak out against unfair or unsafe market practices.
He disclosed that monitoring and enforcement teams have been deployed across markets in Lagos State to identify and apprehend traders involved in the sale of unsafe food products.
