Femi Ashekun/
The Lagos State Government has issued a fresh public health warning to residents over the consumption of spoiled or fungus-infested tomatoes, commonly known as “Ata Esha.”
It cautioned that they pose serious health risks that cannot be neutralised through cooking.
The alert was issued through the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), whose General Manager, Afolabi Solebo, urged consumers to be vigilant when purchasing food items in open markets.
He warned that tomatoes showing visible signs of white, green or black mould should be strictly avoided, stressing that such contamination may indicate the presence of dangerous toxins.
“Fungi found on spoiled tomatoes may produce harmful toxins, including aflatoxins, which can lead to severe health complications such as liver damage and other related diseases,” Solebo said.
He further cautioned that “cooking, boiling or frying contaminated tomatoes may not eliminate the harmful toxins, thereby making such food unsafe for human consumption.”
Solebo also warned against the practice of buying spoiled produce simply because it is cheaper, noting that public health must always take priority over cost considerations.
“A healthy person is determined by what he or she consumes from time to time,” he added.
He advised residents to carefully inspect food items before purchase, properly dispose of any contaminated products, and report the sale of unsafe or expired food items to relevant authorities.
According to him, consumers also have a responsibility to make informed and ethical choices in the marketplace.
The Agency 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.
0Related posts:
Alcohol Consumption Harmful, Carries No Benefits for People Under 40 – Research
Rotten Tomatoes Line Roads in Benin after Nigeria Closes Border
Food Scientists Fault Video Campaign against Wheat Consumption as NIFST Gives Flour Mills Semolina Pass Mark
Food Safety: CAFSANI Urges Nigerians to Prepare for the Unexpected
Welcome to Table…and to a Rat Poisoning Meal!
Beware! Fanta, Sprite plus Vitamin C is Deadly, Says Judge … NBC Admits Feeding Nigerians with Poison