Key Takeaways

Nearly 20% of UTIs may come from E. coli in contaminated meat, according to a new study.

People in low-income areas face higher foodborne-UTI risks.

Experts say safer food handling practices, such as washing hands, sanitizing kitchen surfaces, and cooking meat thoroughly, can help prevent infections.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) have long been associated with sexual activity and personal hygiene. However, a new study found that almost one in five UTI cases is caused by E. coli bacteria in contaminated meat.

The Link Between E. Coli and UTIs

Between 2017 and 2021, researchers collected thousands of E. coli samples from human urine and retail meat in Southern California. They compared the DNA from E. coli in the meat to that in the urine samples to identify whi

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