Popular health influencer Chinonso Egemba, widely known as Aproko Doctor, has cautioned Nigerians against consuming spoiled tomatoes and other fungus-infested foods.

In a health advisory shared on X on Monday, Egemba stated that rotten tomatoes, commonly called Ata Esha or Awarawa, often contain fungal growths that produce harmful toxins.

“This tomato, commonly called spoiled tomatoes (Ata Esha) or awarawa… there’s a poison inside this tomato that a lot of you don’t know about, but you’re eating it every day,” he said.

According to him, the white patches seen inside such tomatoes are caused by fungi that generate aflatoxins, which are linked to liver cancer in adults and stunted growth in children.

“Those white things inside the tomato is caused by a fungus that produces a toxin known as aflatoxin… aflatoxin has been shown to actually cause liver cancer in adults. If you give it to children, it can cause stunted growth as well as other things,” he added.

He noted that the danger extends to corn, onions, groundnuts, and grains, especially when stored in damp or poor conditions.

Aproko added that contaminated produce is frequently sold at cheaper prices in markets, causing some consumers to choose cost over safety.

“You might think you are saving money by eating this type of tomato, but you are actually risking your life,” he said.

Egemba advised Nigerians to buy fresh produce and store food properly in cool, dry places. (The Nation)

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