Aproko Doctor warning on spoiled tomatoes highlights health risks linked to fungal toxins in rotten food and poorly stored produce

Popular health influencer Chinonso Egemba, widely known as Aproko Doctor, warned Nigerians on Monday against consuming spoiled tomatoes and other fungus-infested food items due to serious health risks linked to toxic fungal substances.

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Egemba issued the advisory in a post shared on X, where he cautioned that rotten tomatoes, commonly referred to as Ata Esha or Awarawa, may contain harmful toxins produced by fungal growth.

“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 the health advocate, the white patches often seen inside spoiled tomatoes are caused by fungi that produce aflatoxins, a dangerous substance associated with 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,” Egemba explained.

Aproko Doctor warning on rotten tomatoes also extended to other food items including corn, onions, groundnuts and grains, especially when stored in damp or poorly ventilated conditions.

Egemba noted that contaminated produce is often sold at cheaper prices in local markets, prompting some consumers to 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.

The health influencer urged Nigerians to purchase fresh produce and ensure food items are stored in cool, dry places to reduce fungal contamination.

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He further stressed that removing visibly rotten sections from food does not eliminate the danger because toxins may have already spread through the entire produce.