Nigerians Warned Against Eating Spoiled Tomatoes

Chinonso Egemba, widely known as the Aproko Doctor, has issued a warning to Nigerians regarding the consumption of spoiled tomatoes, which he refers to as "ata esha awarawa." These tomatoes can be infested with harmful fungi that produce aflatoxin, a toxin that poses serious health risks. Aflatoxin is known to cause liver cancer in adults and stunt growth in children.

Egemba explained that the white substance often found inside spoiled tomatoes is a result of fungal growth, which can produce this dangerous toxin. He cautioned that the risk is not limited to tomatoes but also affects other food items like corn, onions, and groundnuts, especially when stored improperly.

The Lagos State Government, represented by General Manager Afolabi Solebo of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, has also warned residents against consuming tomatoes with visible fungal growth, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing fresh produce and proper storage to avoid health hazards.