(NewsNation) — Food contamination has been linked to urinary tract infections based on a recent study this month.

Almost 1 in 5 urinary tract infections are connected to contaminated meat in Southern California due to E. coli strains, according to a study published in the American Society of Microbiology Journal.

The study found that 18% of UTIs in the study population were linked to E. coli strains of animal origin, which are known as foodborne UTIs, with the highest risk of exposure coming from chicken and turkey.

People living in low-income areas had a 60% higher risk of foodborne UTIs compared to those in wealthier neighborhoods, the study found, with older men and women being especially vulnerable.

E. Coli can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, and people c

See Full Page