Lagos Raises Deadly Health Alarm Over Fungus-Infested Tomatoes
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency has warned residents against consuming spoiled or fungus-infested tomatoes, popularly known as “Ata Esha,” citing severe health risks linked to contaminated food products.
The warning was issued on Sunday in a statement shared through the Lagos State Government’s official X account.
General Manager of the agency, Afolabi Solebo, urged consumers to avoid tomatoes showing visible white, green or black fungal growth.
According to him, fungi found on spoiled tomatoes may produce dangerous toxins, including aflatoxins, which are associated with liver damage and other serious health complications.
“A healthy person is determined by what he or she consumes from time to time,” Solebo said.
He warned that cooking, boiling or frying contaminated tomatoes may not completely destroy harmful toxins, making such food unsafe for consumption.
The consumer protection agency also cautioned residents against buying spoiled tomatoes simply because they are cheaper.
Solebo stressed that public health and food safety should take priority over affordability.
He advised Lagos residents to inspect food items carefully before purchase and avoid visibly mouldy or decaying food products.
Consumers were also encouraged to dispose of contaminated food properly and report traders selling unsafe products to relevant authorities.
“Consumers have fundamental rights as well as responsibilities, including being well-informed about products and services and speaking out against unfair practices,” Solebo added.
The agency disclosed that enforcement and monitoring teams had been deployed to markets across Lagos to identify and arrest traders involved in the sale of unsafe food items.
The warning comes amid increasing concerns about food safety and public health risks linked to poor food handling and storage practices in local markets.
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