Rotten bargains: Nigerians risk health for cheap tomatoes

In Lagos, Nigeria, some residents are compromising their health for the sake of saving money, according to a report by Daniel Ayantoye. At Ojodu-Berger roadside market, Ronke Adeoye, a mother of three, encountered tomatoes with varying degrees of spoilage. Despite some portions being rotten, the trader insisted that the remaining tomatoes were still suitable for cooking, albeit at a lower price.

Adeoye bought three plates of these tomatoes for N1,500, citing the significant cost difference and her financial constraints. This practice of purchasing deteriorating tomatoes and peppers is prevalent in many Nigerian food markets, where traders display the spoilage-indicating produce separately to attract buyers seeking affordable alternatives to fresh produce.

Some consumers believe that removing the visibly rotten parts and thoroughly cooking the rest renders the tomatoes and peppers safe for consumption. Traders often sell these damaged items at reduced prices to avoid losses. The practice extends to roadside vendors as well, who purchase damaged produce to keep their meal preparation costs manageable amidst soaring food prices.