Popular health influencer and medical doctor, Chinonso Egemba, widely known as Aproko Doctor, has warned Nigerians against the consumption of spoiled tomatoes and other fungus-infested food items popularly called “Ata Esha” or “Awarawa,” saying they may pose serious health risks if eaten regularly.

Egemba, in a viral health advisory posted on X on Monday, cautioned that some of the visibly rotten tomatoes in circulation contain harmful fungal growths capable of producing toxins dangerous to human health.

He explained that the white substances often seen inside such tomatoes are caused by fungi that can produce aflatoxins, which he described as hazardous when consumed over time.

According to him, aflatoxins have been linked to serious health conditions, including liver cancer in adults and stunted growth in children.

Egemba noted that the risk is not limited to tomatoes alone but also extends to other food items such as corn, onions, groundnuts, and grains, especially when stored in damp or improper conditions.

He warned that such contaminated food items are often sold in markets due to their lower cost, adding that consumers may unknowingly prioritise affordability over safety.

“You might think you are saving money by eating this type of tomato, but you are actually risking your life,” he said, adding that in some cases, such ingredients are even used in food prepared in restaurants.

Egemba urged Nigerians to prioritise fresh produce and proper storage, warning against cutting off visibly rotten portions of food, as contamination may already have spread internally.

He advised that grains and food items showing unusual smells or signs of dampness should be discarded immediately, stressing proper storage in cool and dry environments.

According to the National Cancer Institute, aflatoxins are toxins produced by certain fungi commonly found on agricultural crops such as maize, peanuts, cottonseed, and tree nuts.

The institute further notes that humans are exposed to aflatoxins through contaminated plant or animal products, with exposure linked to increased risk of liver cancer.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has previously warned residents against consuming spoiled or fungus-infested tomatoes, citing significant health risks.