Lagos government cautions consumers against buying rotten tomatoes

The Lagos State Government has warned residents against buying or consuming spoiled tomatoes, popularly known as “Ata Esha,” over the health dangers associated with fungus-infested food products.

The warning was issued through the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA, which advised consumers to avoid tomatoes with visible white, green or black fungal growth.

The General Manager of the agency, Afolabi Solebo, said fungi found on rotten tomatoes could produce dangerous toxins, including aflatoxins, which may cause serious health conditions such as liver damage and other related illnesses.

According to him, contaminated tomatoes remain harmful even after cooking, boiling or frying, as the toxins may not be completely destroyed by heat.

“a healthy person is determined by what he or she consumes from time to time,” Solebo said.

He emphasised that consumers should not compromise their health and safety because of the lower prices of spoiled food items sold in the markets.

The LASCOPA boss also urged Lagos residents to properly examine food items before buying them and avoid visibly mouldy or contaminated tomatoes and other food products.

He further advised consumers to safely dispose of spoiled food items and report the sale of unsafe, expired or contaminated products to government agencies responsible for public health, environmental safety and consumer protection.

Solebo noted that consumers have rights as well as responsibilities, including being properly informed about products and services, speaking out against unfair practices and making environmentally responsible choices.

He disclosed that monitoring and enforcement teams have already been deployed to markets across Lagos State to arrest traders involved in the sale of unsafe food products.