A new study finds that almost 20% of urinary tract infections (UTIs) come from contaminated meat.
The bacteria involved is E. coli. It is found in chicken, turkey, pork, and beef.
Researchers say women, older adults, and people in low-income areas have the highest risk.
Industrial farming may increase the spread of E. coli in meat.
The study analyzed 23,483 UTI cases in Southern California.
It also tested 12,616 samples of E. coli from retail meat.
Chicken and turkey showed the highest link to infection, followed by pork and beef.
UTIs cause about 8 million doctor visits in the U.S. each year.
Women are more likely to get UTIs than men.
In the study, 88% of infections occurred in females.
Symptoms include painful urination, cloudy urine, and frequent trips to the bathroom.
Most UTIs are treated successfully with antibiotics.
Contaminated meat can spread bacteria to hands and surfaces.
The bacteria can reach the urethra and cause infection.
People in poorer neighborhoods have a 1.6 times higher risk of UTIs from meat.
Hispanic people also have higher rates of UTIs than non-Hispanic white people.
Experts say people can reduce risk by washing hands, cooking meat thoroughly, and avoiding cross-contamination in the kitchen.
