Group B Strep (GBS) Patient Rights
We understand that there may be a concern of Group B Streptococcus infection in the consumption of placenta pills. However, the evidence suggests that the pills in that CDC report (2017) were likely handled in an unsafe manner. Our process is inspired by the Traditional Chinese Method, which emphasizes steaming for 15 minutes to kill any bacteria present on the outside before dehydration. The concern of GBS infection is also likely linked to the “raw method” which completely skips steaming the placenta. This method is not performed by our encapsulation specialists and, in our opinion, is extremely dangerous. The steaming process, in combination with dehydration at 165 degreesFahrenheit, are the keys to making placentas safe to consume in encapsulated form, even if the patient was GBS positive during pregnancy.
The Placenta Pill, LLC has been in business for over eight years, and is the only professional encapsulation service owned by a licensed nurse in North Texas. As such, we take Sanitation and safety very seriously. All of our trained encapsulation specialists have Texas Food Handler’s Safety Certifications, as
well as Biologix Bloodborne Pathogen Certificates for placenta encapsulators. We utilize single-use disposable equipment when able; otherwise, all reusable equipment is sanitized with hot water, soap, and bleach as per proper safety guidelines. The placenta is maintained at food-safe-handling temperatures (under 40 degrees
Fahrenheit) until ready to be processed, steamed for 15 minutes, sliced as thinly as possible to promote equal dehydration, then dehydrated at 165 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 12 hours. The steaming process kills the potential bacteria the placenta is exposed to through the birthing process, as well as inhibits the chance for bacteria to grow before dehydration. Our specialists ensure the dehydrator reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit during dehydration, which evidence proves is adequate to eradicate GBS bacteria. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, 131 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes in moist heat is sufficient to kill any GBS present on the placenta. Our method goes above and beyond this requirement thus making it entirely safe to consume the placenta in pill form.
There are very few situations where encapsulation is not appropriate, such as the presence of AIDS/HIV or any maternal/fetal infection at the time of birth. The risks of GBS exposure in a patient undergoing a cesarean delivery is negligible, so potential infection is even less of a concern for those patients. Since January 1, 2016, Texas law (HB 1670, Sec. 172.002) states that hospitals and birthing centers must release a patient’s placenta, so long as there are not any infectious diseases.
References: