US study claims nearly 1 in 5 UTIs due to contaminated meat and poor kitchen hygiene - Here’s how to stay safe

A new US study has found that nearly one in five urinary tract infections (UTIs) may be caused by bacteria originating from contaminated meat and poor kitchen hygiene. A four-year study in Southern California revealed that nearly one in five UTIs were likely linked to eating chicken, turkey, pork, or beef contaminated with E. coli. While most UTIs are thought to result from poor hygiene or sexual contact, researchers found that many infections stemmed from E. coli strains not typically linked to foodborne illnesses like diarrhea, suggesting a significant but overlooked food-related cause.

According to CBS News, researchers found that 18% of over 2,300 UTIs examined were connected to E. coli strains matching those detected in meat samples from nearby grocery stores, as detailed in a study published last Thursday in the journal mBio. The study redefines contaminated meat - including chicken, turkey, pork, and beef - as more than just a food safety issue.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UTIs occur when bacteria infect the urinary tract, commonly affecting women and older adults. Though typically treatable with antibiotics, untreated infections can spread to the kidneys or bloodstream, posing serious health risks.

"It's pretty frequent, one in five, and with better food safety, we could reduce it," Lance Price, a professor of environmental health at George Washington University and one of the study's authors, told CBS News.

Turkey showed the highest contamination levels, followed by chicken, pork, and beef. Price noted that the socioeconomic trends observed in the study mirrored patterns he had identified in previous research. Moreover, the link between contaminated meat and UTIs appeared stronger in certain regions. Individuals living in low-income neighborhoods faced a 60% higher risk of developing foodborne UTIs compared to those residing in more affluent areas.

"Your risk of infection should not depend on your ZIP code," says Price.

While proper cooking kills harmful bacteria, Price explained that foodborne E. coli infections often result from cross-contamination in the kitchen. He advised keeping raw meat separate from other foods and washing hands thoroughly after handling it. The study also urged meat producers and regulators to adopt stricter safety measures, including tightly sealed packaging and reducing excess liquid to limit E. coli contamination.

HOW TO AVOID URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

Meat contamination often occurs when hands, surfaces, or utensils aren’t properly cleaned. According to sciencealert.com, the US Department of Agriculture and the new study recommend following strict hygiene practices to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria:

• Ensure meat and poultry are securely sealed when purchasing
• Prepare meat last, after all other foods including fruits and vegetables
• Use a dedicated chopping board for raw meat and do not wash raw meat
• Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds between touching raw meat and anything else
• Use a food thermometer to make sure chicken is heated to at least 74°C, 71 °C for ground meats like burgers, and 63°C for other meats