Popular health influencer, Chinonso Egemba, widely known as Aproko Doctor, has cautioned Nigerians to avoid consuming spoiled tomatoes and other food items affected by fungal contamination, warning that they may pose serious long-term health risks.
In a health advisory posted on X on Monday, Egemba explained that commonly discarded or cheap rotten tomatoes locally referred to as Ata Esha or Awarawa often contain harmful fungal growth that produces dangerous toxins.
He said the white or mouldy patches seen inside such tomatoes are caused by fungi capable of producing aflatoxins, a group of toxic substances linked to severe health conditions.
According to him, prolonged exposure to aflatoxins has been associated with liver cancer in adults and can also contribute to stunted growth and developmental challenges in children.
Egemba warned that the danger is not limited to tomatoes alone, noting that crops such as corn, groundnuts, onions, and other grains can also become contaminated when stored under damp or poor conditions.
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He further explained that many of these contaminated foods are often sold at cheaper prices in local markets, leading some consumers to prioritise cost over safety. “You may think you are saving money, but you are putting your health at risk,” he cautioned.
The health advocate advised Nigerians to always purchase fresh produce and ensure proper storage in cool, dry environments to prevent spoilage.
He also stressed that cutting away visibly rotten portions does not make the food safe, as toxins may already have spread throughout the entire produce.
Egemba urged greater public awareness on food safety, especially in markets where spoiled items are sometimes mixed with fresh produce.
