Popular Nigerian health influencer, Aproko Doctor, has warned Nigerians against consuming spoiled or rotten tomatoes, stressing that the practice could expose people to serious health risks.
The medical doctor raised the concern while reacting to the growing trend of people purchasing damaged tomatoes and peppers because they are often sold at cheaper prices in local markets amid the country’s economic hardship.
According to him, rotten tomatoes are not just unpleasant to eat but can also harbor harmful fungi, bacteria, and dangerous toxins capable of causing severe health complications. He explained that once tomatoes begin to spoil, microorganisms spread quickly through the soft and watery parts of the fruit, making them unsafe for consumption even if only a small portion appears damaged.
Aproko Doctor noted that some fungi found in spoiled food items produce toxic substances known as mycotoxins and aflatoxins, which have been linked to liver damage, kidney problems, weakened immunity, and certain types of cancer.
He also dismissed the common belief that washing, boiling, or frying rotten tomatoes can completely remove the health dangers. According to him, while cooking may kill some germs, it does not always destroy the harmful toxins already released into the food.
The health advocate specifically cautioned Nigerians against buying what traders popularly describe as “eesa” or “baaje” tomatoes — partially rotten tomatoes usually sold at giveaway prices in markets. He urged residents to prioritize their health by carefully inspecting food items before purchase and avoiding any tomatoes or peppers that appear moldy, overly soft, leaking fluid, or emit a foul smell.
His warning comes amid increasing concerns over food safety in Nigeria, especially as rising food prices push many households toward cheaper and lower-quality produce.
Similarly, the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency recently warned residents against consuming fungus-infested tomatoes and peppers, saying contaminated food items pose serious public health risks. The agency added that monitoring and enforcement teams had been deployed across markets to curb the sale of unsafe food products.
