Summary: The Lagos State Government, through its agency, Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), has issued a strict health warning to residents to refrain from buying or consuming spoiled or fungus-infested tomatoes. These fungus-infested tomatoes are locally called esha or awarawa, and they’re commonly purchased due to their cheap cost.
The Lagos State Government, through its agency, Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), has issued a strict health warning to residents to refrain from buying or consuming spoiled or fungus-infested tomatoes. This information was disclosed on Sunday, May 17, 2026, on the state government’s X handle.
Fungus-infested tomatoes, popularly known as ata esha or awarawa in the Nigerian markets, are tomatoes that are severely decomposed and have become breeding grounds for dangerous moulds and pests. It has life-threatening health risks to consumers because cooking cannot even destroy the aflatoxin chemicals they produce.
According to the General Manager of the agency, Afolabi Solebo, the spoiled tomatoes contained harmful toxins, including aflatoxins, which are a risk to critical health conditions like liver damage and other related diseases. He advised that, rather than purchasing the spoiled tomatoes because they are cheaper, consumers should prioritise their health and safety.
He further explained that cooking, boiling, or frying contaminated tomatoes may not eliminate harmful toxins, which makes them unsafe for human consumption. He urged Lagos residents to properly inspect food items before purchase, avoid contaminated tomatoes, dispose of contaminated food items, and report spoiled and expired food items to the appropriate authorities.
He emphasised that consumers have fundamental rights and responsibilities to be well-informed about products, services, and speak out against any unfair practices.
The General Manager added that government monitoring and enforcement teams have been deployed to markets across the state to apprehend traders involved in the sale of unsafe food products.
