Fungus-Infested Tomatoes Can Cause Liver Damage – Lagos Govt
The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency has warned residents against consuming spoiled or fungus-infested tomatoes, popularly known as “Ata Esha,” over serious health risks associated with contaminated food products.
The warning was issued on Sunday in a statement shared through the official channels of the Lagos State Government.
Speaking on the development, the General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, advised consumers to avoid purchasing or eating tomatoes with visible white, green or black fungal growth.
According to him, fungi found on spoiled tomatoes can produce harmful toxins such as aflatoxins, which may lead to severe health complications including liver damage and other related illnesses.
Solebo stressed that cooking, boiling or frying contaminated tomatoes does not necessarily eliminate the dangerous toxins, making such food unsafe for consumption even after preparation.
He also cautioned residents against buying spoiled tomatoes simply because they are cheaper, urging consumers to prioritise health and safety over cost.
The consumer protection agency encouraged residents to carefully inspect food items before purchase and avoid visibly mouldy or rotten products.
Solebo further advised Lagosians to properly dispose of contaminated food items and report traders involved in the sale of unsafe or expired products to relevant authorities.
He noted that monitoring and enforcement teams have already been deployed to markets across the state to identify and apprehend traders dealing in unsafe food products.
The agency also reminded residents of their responsibilities as consumers, including staying informed about product safety and speaking up against harmful or unethical market practices.
