Lagos State Government have issued a strong warning to residents over the dangers of consuming spoiled or fungus-infested tomatoes, commonly known as “Ata Esha,” citing serious health risks associated with the practice.
The warning was issued by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), which cautioned residents to avoid purchasing or eating tomatoes showing visible signs of white, green, or black fungal growth.
According to the agency’s General Manager, Afolabi Solebo, rotten tomatoes may contain harmful fungi capable of producing dangerous toxins such as aflatoxins, which pose severe health threats to consumers.
He explained that exposure to these toxins could lead to serious health complications, including liver damage and other long-term diseases, stressing that even cooking, boiling, or frying contaminated tomatoes does not eliminate the toxins.
“A healthy person is determined by what he or she consumes from time to time,” Solebo said, urging residents to be more cautious about food choices and hygiene practices.
He further warned consumers against being tempted to buy spoiled tomatoes due to lower prices, emphasizing that health should always take priority over cost.
The agency also advised the public to carefully inspect food items before purchase and avoid any visibly mouldy or decayed produce. Residents were encouraged to properly dispose of contaminated food and report sellers involved in the distribution of unsafe or expired food items.
LASCOPA disclosed that monitoring and enforcement teams have been deployed across markets in Lagos State to identify and sanction traders who sell unsafe food products.
The agency reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring that only safe and fit-for-consumption food items are available in markets across the state.
LASCOPA WARNS CONSUMERS AGAINST CONSUMPTION OF SPOILED TOMATOES
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), has warned residents against the consumption of spoiled or fungus-infested tomatoes popularly known as “Ata Esha,” citing… pic.twitter.com/RwmCwnG4Lo
— The Lagos State Govt (@followlasg) May 17, 2026