At many Nigerian markets, cheaper tomatoes attract struggling buyers.
However, health influencer Aproko Doctor believes those bargains carry hidden dangers.
On Monday, the medical expert, Chinonso Egemba, shared concerns on X about spoiled tomatoes, locally called Ata Esha or Awarawa.
According to him, many Nigerians unknowingly consume fungus-infested foods daily because they focus more on saving money.
Fungal Toxins In Spoiled Tomatoes
He explained that harmful fungi create the white patches inside rotten tomatoes.
Furthermore, these fungi release toxins known as aflatoxins, and scientists link them to liver cancer in adults and stunted growth in children.
“There’s a poison inside this tomato that many people do not know about,” he warned.
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Health Risks Beyond Tomatoes
Aproko Doctor also noted that the risk goes beyond tomatoes alone.
He said poor storage conditions allow corn, onions, groundnuts and grains to develop dangerous fungal toxins, especially in damp environments.
Meanwhile, he explained that traders often sell contaminated food at cheaper prices, making it attractive to low-income consumers despite the health risks.
Safe Food Handling Advice
The doctor advised Nigerians to choose fresh produce whenever possible and store food in cool, dry places.
In addition, he warned people against cutting away rotten sections before cooking because toxins may already spread across the entire food item.
