The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA, has warned residents against buying or consuming spoiled tomatoes popularly known as “Ata Esha” due to serious health risks linked to contaminated food products.
The warning was issued by the agency’s General Manager, Afolabi Solebo, who advised consumers to avoid tomatoes showing visible signs of fungal contamination, including white, green, or black mould growth.
According to Solebo, fungi found on rotten tomatoes can produce dangerous toxins known as aflatoxins, which may lead to severe health complications including liver damage and other related illnesses.
He further explained that contaminated tomatoes could remain harmful even after being cooked, boiled, or fried because the toxins may survive high temperatures.
“A healthy person is determined by what he or she consumes from time to time,” he stated.
The agency warned residents not to compromise their health simply because spoiled food items are sold at cheaper prices in markets.
LASCOPA also urged Lagos residents to carefully inspect tomatoes and other food items before purchasing them in order to avoid contaminated products.
Consumers were advised to properly dispose of spoiled food and report traders selling unsafe or expired products to relevant government authorities responsible for public health and environmental safety.
Solebo added that consumers have both rights and responsibilities, including making informed choices and speaking out against harmful market practices.
The agency also disclosed that monitoring and enforcement teams have already been deployed across markets in Lagos State to identify and arrest traders involved in the sale of unsafe food products.
The warning has sparked conversations online as many residents react to concerns over food safety and the growing circulation of low-cost spoiled tomatoes in local markets.
