Can Steaming Effectively Eliminate Helicobacter Pylori in Food?

Issues related to Helicobacter pylori?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask the following questions:
1.
Will steaming food and containers in a rice cooker for 10 to 15 minutes effectively eliminate Helicobacter pylori?
2.
How long can Helicobacter pylori survive in the air?
3.
If rice and vegetables are steamed simultaneously in a rice cooker (with the rice pot on the bottom and the vegetable tray on top), will this effectively eliminate Helicobacter pylori? Could issues such as container contact affect the completeness of the sterilization?

Mr. Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/05/12

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

1.
Steaming food and containers in a rice cooker for 10 to 15 minutes can effectively eliminate Helicobacter pylori.
2.
The survival time of Helicobacter pylori in the air depends on factors such as humidity and temperature; typically, it can survive for several hours to days under indoor conditions, with the exact duration varying by circumstance.
3.
Simultaneously steaming rice and vegetables in a rice cooker can eliminate Helicobacter pylori, but it is essential to ensure that the containers and food are adequately exposed to the steam and are cooked and sanitized for the same duration as the rice and vegetables.

Reply Date: 2023/05/12

More Info

When it comes to the effectiveness of steaming in eliminating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) from food and cooking utensils, there are several important factors to consider.
1. Effectiveness of Steaming: Steaming food and containers for 10 to 15 minutes can significantly reduce the presence of H. pylori. H. pylori is a bacterium that is sensitive to heat. The general recommendation for killing most bacteria is to heat food to at least 165°F (74°C) for a sufficient amount of time. Steaming typically reaches temperatures above this threshold, especially when water is boiling. However, it is essential to ensure that the food is uniformly heated and that steam can circulate freely around all surfaces. If the food is densely packed or if the steam cannot reach certain areas, there may be a risk that some bacteria survive. Therefore, while steaming is a good method for reducing H. pylori, it is crucial to ensure that the food is arranged properly in the steamer.

2. Survival of H. pylori in Air: H. pylori is primarily transmitted through oral-oral or fecal-oral routes, and it does not survive long outside the human body. In general, H. pylori can survive in the environment for a few hours to a couple of days, depending on conditions such as humidity and temperature. However, it is not typically found in the air; rather, it is associated with contaminated food or water. Therefore, the risk of airborne transmission is minimal, and the focus should be on proper hygiene and food handling practices.

3. Simultaneous Steaming of Rice and Vegetables: When using a steamer to cook rice and vegetables simultaneously, it is possible to eliminate H. pylori, provided that both the rice and vegetables are cooked thoroughly. The rice pot should be placed below the vegetable tray to ensure that the steam rises effectively. However, if the vegetables are stacked too densely or if the steam cannot circulate properly, there may be areas that do not reach the necessary temperature to kill the bacteria. It is advisable to check that both the rice and vegetables are cooked to the appropriate temperature.

In summary, steaming is an effective method for reducing H. pylori in food, but it is essential to ensure that the food is arranged properly in the steamer to allow for adequate heat distribution. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene practices, such as washing hands and cooking utensils thoroughly, is crucial in preventing the transmission of H. pylori. If there are concerns about H. pylori infection in the household, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further guidance and potential treatment options.

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