Helsinki investigates food poisoning linked to raw beetroot salad at Tilhe kindergarten

The Helsinki City Food Safety Unit is investigating food poisoning cases potentially linked to raw beetroot salad served last Friday at the Tilhe kindergarten in Tapanila, Helsinki. The kindergarten has around 150 children and provides preschool education for one- and two-year-olds. Approximately 20 individuals fell ill, with about half of them being children, according to the kindergarten’s director, Anneli Haura.

Symptoms appeared quickly after the meal, within about half an hour, said Haura. Last Friday, the number of children present at the kindergarten was significantly lower than usual due to autumn break, which Haura noted was fortunate. Typically, adults eat first at Tilhe, and they began showing symptoms rapidly.

Haura was not present that day, but remarked that the deputy director managed the situation well to avoid chaos. Families were notified, and some staff members went home, but the overall atmosphere remained calm.

According to Haura, all affected individuals recovered the same day. The cooking guidelines for beetroots may not have been known at the kindergarten. The meals are supplied by a central kitchen, while salads are prepared on-site. Food Authority guidelines recommend that beetroots should only be consumed when properly cooked. Haura mentioned she is unsure if the staff had this information, suggesting it might not have been communicated.

Environmental services have collected samples and inspected the kindergarten’s kitchen, but found no deficiencies. The Food Safety Unit is working in collaboration with the social and health authorities. The unit last investigated a foodborne illness associated with raw beetroots in 2016.