It’s one of the most common infections people experience, especially women — a painful burning sensation, a visit to the doctor, and a course of antibiotics that often seems to fix the problem. But what if part of the cause of these recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) lies not in hygiene or genetics, but in what ends up on your plate? A growing body of research now suggests that the link between food and infections may be closer than anyone realised.
A surprising connection between UTI and meat
A new study published in the journal mBio has found a striking overlap between the bacteria causing UTIs and strains of E. coli found in supermarket meat. Conducted over four years in Southern California, the study analysed more than 2,300 UTI cases and found that around 18% were genetically linked to E. coli isolated from raw meats sold in local grocery stores.
The researchers say these findings indicate that certain urinary infections may not be purely personal or environmental issues — they could be foodborne illnesses, entering the body through contaminated meat that isn’t handled or cooked properly.
What the researchers found
The study, led by Professor Lance B. Price of George Washington University, examined bacterial samples from both patients and store-bought meats including chicken, turkey, pork, and beef. Poultry products showed the highest contamination levels, followed by pork and beef.“Urinary tract infections have long been considered a personal health issue, but our findings suggest they are also a food safety problem,” said Price. “This opens up new avenues for prevention, especially for vulnerable communities that bear a disproportionate burden.”
Who is most vulnerable
The data revealed a 60% higher risk of foodborne UTIs among people living in low-income areas compared to wealthier neighbourhoods. Experts attribute this to a combination of factors, including weaker food safety enforcement, limited access to fresh food, and inadequate hygiene during food preparation.Researchers argue that addressing these disparities requires greater investment in public health and awareness campaigns. “Your risk of infection should not depend on your ZIP code,” Price added.
The bacteria behind it
E. coli bacteria are naturally found in the intestines of humans and animals, but certain strains can cause severe infections if they enter the urinary tract. When contaminated meat is undercooked or handled carelessly, the bacteria can easily transfer to kitchen surfaces or other foods, leading to infection.Scientists warn that the growing antibiotic resistance in foodborne E. coli strains makes these infections harder to treat, reinforcing the need for stronger oversight of meat production and antibiotic use in livestock.
Public health implications
The findings challenge traditional medical assumptions about the origins of UTIs and highlight an emerging food safety concern. With millions of cases reported globally each year, UTIs are among the most common bacterial infections — and any food-related contribution could have significant implications for public health policy.Experts say the research could shift how health authorities approach infection control, integrating food safety, environmental health, and medical treatment into a more comprehensive prevention strategy.
How to protect yourself
Until stricter regulations and safer food production systems are in place, researchers recommend adopting simple but effective hygiene practices at home:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using separate boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods.
- Cook meat to safe internal temperatures.
- Clean kitchen surfaces and tools with hot water and disinfectants.
“Preventive steps, such as thorough handwashing, avoiding cross-contamination, and ensuring proper cooking of meat products, are essential to reducing exposure,” the study authors wrote.