Lagos, Nigeria – March 9, 2026

Rising poverty and the high cost of food items have forced some food vendors and market sellers to adopt questionable practices, including adding artificial colouring to blended tomatoes to make them appear fresh and richer in colour.

Across several markets in Nigeria, the price of fresh tomatoes has increased significantly due to factors such as transportation costs, seasonal shortages, and inflation. As a result, some vendors reportedly mix food colouring or other substances into blended tomatoes to enhance their appearance and attract buyers.

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Consumers often prefer bright red blended tomatoes because they associate the colour with freshness and quality. Taking advantage of this perception, a few sellers reportedly add colouring agents to diluted or low-quality tomato mixtures to make them look more appealing.

Food safety experts have warned that the practice can pose serious health risks, especially when non-food-grade colouring substances are used.

⚠️ Possible Side Effects on Human Health

1. Stomach Irritation
   Some artificial colouring agents can irritate the stomach lining, causing stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
2. Allergic Reactions
   Certain individuals may develop allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itching, or swelling after consuming food containing harmful dyes.
3. Liver Damage
   Continuous consumption of contaminated food products may affect liver function over time, especially if industrial dyes are used.
4. Kidney Problems
   Toxic substances in some colour additives can accumulate in the body and affect kidney health.
5. Food Poisoning
   If the colouring substance is not food-grade, it may introduce harmful chemicals that could lead to food poisoning.
6. Cancer Risk (Long-term Exposure)
   Some unregulated chemical dyes have been linked in studies to an increased risk of certain cancers when consumed regularly over a long period.

🛑 Advice to Consumers

Health officials advise consumers to:

• Buy tomatoes from trusted vendors.
• Avoid blended tomatoes with unnaturally bright or watery red colour.
• Consider buying fresh tomatoes and blending them at home when possible.
• Report suspicious food practices to relevant food safety authorities.

Experts say addressing the root causes—poverty, food inflation, and weak food regulation—is essential to stop such practices and protect public health.