Excessive calcium propionate in tortillas linked to large gastrointestinal outbreak in Finnish schools, 2023
By
Ruska Rimhanen-Finne
Summary
In August 2023, a large outbreak of acute gastrointestinal illness affected 721 individuals across 17 schools in a Finnish municipality. A retrospective cohort study found that consumption of flour tortillas (aOR=3.3) and vegetable filling (aOR=1.5) were statistically associated with illness. Investigation revealed that tortilla samples contained excessive concentrations of calcium propionate (E 282) exceeding 24,000 mg/kg, far above the regulatory limit of 2,000 mg/kg. The tortillas were traced to a manufacturer in another EU country. The findings align with previous evidence that excessive calcium propionate can induce gastrointestinal symptoms. The outbreak highlights the need for strengthened surveillance of chemical-related food-borne outbreaks in Europe and improved communication between school staff and public health authorities.
Source
bskyExcessive calcium propionate in tortillas linked to large gastrointestinal outbreak in Finnish schools, 2023eurosurveillance.orgKey quotes
· 5 pulledIn three samples from tortillas produced during a limited production period, high concentrations of calcium propionate (E 282) were measured (> 24,000 mg/kg), exceeding the regulatory maximum limit of 2,000 mg/kg.
Our results are in line with findings from other investigations that excessive calcium propionate can induce gastrointestinal symptoms.
The investigation highlights the need for strengthened surveillance of chemical-related food-borne outbreaks in Europe and timely communication between school staff and public health authorities to support rapid outbreak detection and response.
Consumption of flour tortillas and vegetable filling served at lunch were statistically associated with illness (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4–7.4 for the tortillas and aOR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1–2.1 for the filling).
The manufacturer was unable to identify any cause in the production process that could explain the high concentrations of calcium propionate.
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