The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA}  has warned residents against consuming   spoilt or fungus-infested tomatoes, popularly known as ‘Ata Esa,’ saying the consumption could lead to serious health risks.

The agency’s General Manager, Afolabi Solebo, issued the warning in a statement by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Adesile Rufai, on Sunday in Lagos.

Mr Solebo urged consumers to avoid purchasing or consuming tomatoes with  visible white, green, or black fungal growth.

He said, “Fungi found on spoiled tomatoes may produce harmful toxins, including aflatoxins, which can lead to severe health complications, such as liver damage and related diseases.”

Speaking on the importance of healthy food consumption, Mr Solebo said, “A healthy person is determined by what he or she consumes from time to time.”

He further explained that cooking, boiling, or frying contaminated tomatoes might not eliminate the harmful toxins, thereby making such food unsafe for human consumption.

The LASCOPA boss cautioned consumers against purchasing spoilt tomatoes because they are sold at cheaper price.

He stressed that health and safety should always take precedence over cost considerations.

Mr Solebo encouraged Lagos residents to carefully inspect food items before purchase and avoid visibly spoilt or mouldy tomatoes and other food products.

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

He stated, “Consumers have fundamental rights, as well as responsibilities, including being well-informed about products and services, speaking out against unfair practices, and making ethical and environmentally conscious choices.”

Mr Solebo added that government monitoring and enforcement teams had been deployed to markets across the state to apprehend traders engaged in the sale of unsafe food products. 

(NAN)