Helsinki food safety unit investigates raw beetroot linked to food poisoning at Tapanila kindergarten

The food safety unit of the City of Helsinki is considering continuing its investigation into test results related to the raw beetroot served at Tapanila kindergarten, Tilh. This follows food poisoning incidents that occurred on October 18, which affected 20 children after they consumed the raw beetroot. According to the city’s statement, the illness was linked to the unprocessed beetroot.

The kindergarten director, Anneli Haura, reported that approximately half of those affected were children. “The symptoms started quickly after the meal, within about half an hour,” Haura commented.

In response to the incidents, the city issued a survey to gather more information from the parents of the children and the kindergarten staff. A total of 17 individuals have reported symptoms, of which 12 are children.

Following the outbreak, the food safety unit began analyzing samples. The tests indicated elevated yeast levels in the beetroot, but no signs of fermentation were present. Additionally, the samples revealed nitrate presence, which is a naturally occurring substance in beetroot.

Not all patient sample results have been finalized; however, there have been no findings in the completed samples.