Soda streamer

Question

Hello,

are there any objections to using a soda streamer when having CF?

Thank you.

Answer

Hallo,
a soda streamer is a device for preparing carbonated drinking water. Such a device consists of a rack with a replaceable gas cartridge that is filled with carbon dioxide. The water is filled in special pressure-resistant bottles and screwed into the rack airtight. At the push of a button and via a pipe and valve system, the gas is then conducted into the water, which is thus carbonated.

Answering your question, one has to take into account a study by the Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine at the University of Mainz, Germany. Water samples examined showed bacterial contamination more often in carbonated water than in tap water. Coliform bacteria were found in 39% of the carbonated water samples and in 12% of the tap water samples. Apart from the contamination of the tap water, the microbiological quality of the carbonated water was influenced by a biofilm on the inside of the bottles. The study identified insufficient attention to the manufacturer's cleaning instructions as well as flaws in the construction of the devices as reasons for the contamination.

If the cleaning instructions are followed, however, the use of soda streamers is hygienically unobjectionable according to the manufacturer. The bottles could be cleaned with hot water (50 °C), dish liquid and dishwashing brush or cleaning tabs. The final decision remains up to each individual CF patient, though.

Kind regards
Dr. Christina Smaczny

08.10.2012