Good question.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that is widespread among humans and is known to cause common upper gastrointestinal tract disorders, such as gastric ulcer disease and gastric adenocarcinoma.
Yet, routes of infection have not been clearly determined and established. However, the hypothesis that infection occurs through the fecal-oral route and that the microbe is foodborne is commonly accepted. Like many foodborne illnesses that are spread via the fecal-oral route, this means that drinking water, produce, seafood, milk, and ready-to-eat foods are especially vulnerable to H. pylori contamination. Currently, here is not enough research to conclusively associate H. pylori with specific food items, but so far, milk and drinking water have the most evidence.
If interested, you can read more about the current science here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6102504/
As the voice of people affected by foodborne illness, we collaborate with partners in academia, the food industry, and government to prevent foodborne illness. We advocate for effective food safety policy and facilitate culture change to increase food safety.
Stop Foodborne Illness is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent the law allows.