Is Flour Tortillas Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Signature Kitchens
Flour Tortillas is one of the food products analyzed by Zerotox for Signature Kitchens. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Calcium Propionate, Sorbic Acid affect the overall evaluation.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes enriched bleached flour, which contains several additives like niacin and folic acid, indicating some nutritional enhancement. However, the presence of hydrogenated oils and multiple preservatives such as calcium propionate and sorbic acid raises concerns about the overall quality and safety of the product, leading to a moderate rating.
Main concern
Hydrogenated soybean oils are present, which are associated with health concerns due to trans fats.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Enriched bleached flour provides added nutrients like niacin and folic acid, which can enhance nutritional value.
- Contains water and basic ingredients, indicating a straightforward composition without excessive additives.
Concerns
- Hydrogenated soybean oils are present, which are associated with health concerns due to trans fats.
- Multiple preservatives like calcium propionate and sorbic acid may indicate a highly processed product, raising quality concerns.
Who should avoid this product?
This product may be less suitable for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this food.
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Is Enriched Bleached Flour safe in this food?
Medium
Enriched Bleached Flour is used here as base. Enriched bleached flour is a processed wheat flour that has been treated to improve texture and shelf life. While it provides added nutrients like niacin and folic acid, the bleaching process raises concerns about the use of chemical agents in food production.
Role in formula: base
Original: Enriched bleached flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid)
Read the full ingredient profile for Enriched Bleached Flour
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Is Water safe in this food?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water is a fundamental ingredient that serves as a solvent and hydrator in the dough. Its presence is essential for the formation of the tortilla structure without raising safety concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: water
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Is Vegetable Shortening safe in this food?
Medium
Vegetable Shortening is used here as emulsifier. Vegetable shortening, derived from hydrogenated soybean oils, is used to improve texture and moisture retention. However, hydrogenation can create trans fats, which are linked to various health risks.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: vegetable shortening (interesterified and hydrogenated soybean oils)
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Is Salt safe in this food?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is a common flavor enhancer that also acts as a preservative. Its inclusion is standard in many food products, contributing to taste without significant safety concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
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Is Baking Soda safe in this food?
Good
Baking Soda is used here as leavening agent. Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the tortillas rise during cooking. It is a common ingredient in baking and poses no safety concerns.
Role in formula: leavening agent
Original: baking soda
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Is Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate safe in this food?
Medium
Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate is used here as leavening agent. Sodium acid pyrophosphate is used as a leavening agent in combination with baking soda. While it is generally recognized as safe, its presence indicates some level of processing.
Role in formula: leavening agent
Original: sodium acid pyrophosphate
Read the full ingredient profile for Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate
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Is Distilled Monoglycerides safe in this food?
Medium
Distilled Monoglycerides is used here as emulsifier. Distilled monoglycerides are emulsifiers that help blend ingredients and improve texture. They are derived from glycerol and fatty acids but may raise concerns about their processing.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: distilled monoglycerides
Read the full ingredient profile for Distilled Monoglycerides
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Is Enzymes safe in this food?
Medium
Enzymes is used here as stabilizer. Enzymes are added to improve dough handling and texture. While they are generally safe, their presence indicates a level of processing that may concern some consumers.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: enzymes
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Is Cellulose Gum safe in this food?
Medium
Cellulose Gum is used here as thickener. Cellulose gum is a thickening agent derived from plant fibers. It helps improve texture but is a processed ingredient that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: cellulose gum
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Is Fumaric Acid safe in this food?
Medium
Fumaric Acid is used here as acidulant. Fumaric acid is used as an acidulant to enhance flavor and preserve freshness. While it is generally safe, its presence indicates processing.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: fumaric acid
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Is Calcium Propionate safe in this food?
Bad
Calcium Propionate is used here as preservative. Calcium propionate is a synthetic preservative used to inhibit mold growth. While effective, it raises concerns about synthetic additives in food products.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: calcium propionate
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Is Sorbic Acid safe in this food?
Bad
Sorbic Acid is used here as preservative. Sorbic acid is another synthetic preservative that helps maintain freshness. Its inclusion indicates a highly processed product and raises quality concerns.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: sorbic acid
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 2391727
More from this brand: Signature Kitchens products in Zerotox
Similar products: food in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: wheat
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.