Tomatoes are a staple ingredient in many homes, especially in Nigeria; however, when they become rotten and moldy, eating them can pose serious dangers and health risks, exposing the body to harmful bacteria and toxins.
Recently, the Lagos State Government warned residents against buying or consuming spoiled tomatoes, popularly known as “Ata Esha,” due to the health risks associated with them.
The warning was issued through the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA, which advised consumers to avoid tomatoes with visible white, green, or black fungal growth.
The general manager of the agency, Afolabi Solebo, said fungi found on rotten tomatoes could produce dangerous toxins, including aflatoxins, which may cause serious health conditions such as liver damage and other related illnesses. It can also trigger organ failure and cancer.
According to him, contaminated tomatoes remain harmful even after cooking, boiling, or frying, as the toxins may not be destroyed by heat.
This came following a video that went viral last week at the popular Lagos market, Mile 12 Market, showing the two women who were allegedly caught while attempting to grind spoiled and maggot-infested pepper. The video again sparked outrage online and concern over food safety practices in the country.
ALSO READ: You Wouldn’t Joke With Tomatoes Again With These 5 Health Benefits
Risks of eating Rotten Tomatoes
1. Toxin Build-Up
As tomatoes spoil, chemical changes occur, and this can produce harmful compounds that irritate the digestive system. In severe spoilage cases, bacteria and fungi can release toxins that may be dangerous when consumed.
2. Food Poisoning
Another risk of eating rotten tomatoes is food poisoning. Spoiled tomatoes can harbor harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, etc. These bacteria thrive in decaying food and can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, etc.
Symptoms may appear within a few hours after eating contaminated tomatoes and can range from mild to severe.
3. Lead to Liver Cancer
According to health regulatory bodies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria, regular consumption of mycotoxins from spoiled tomatoes increases your risk of liver cancer and other organ failures.
Rotten tomatoes often host molds such as Aspergillus, a fungi that produces mycotoxins. These toxins are highly heat-resistant and are not destroyed by cooking. Ingesting them can weaken your immune system and lead to liver damage over time.