Can chicken really cause a UTI? Here’s what the research says

Most of us know that E. coli can cause food poisoning from undercooked chicken, and we also know that E. coli is the main culprit behind UTIs (urinary tract infections). So when you put those two facts together, you might start wondering: could there be a connection between UTIs and chicken? Turns out, you'd be on to something. A study from the American Society for Microbiology recently found that E. coli strains associated with chicken and other meats may actually be associated with  some urinary tract infections.[1]

UTIs are incredibly common — globally, researchers estimated over 400 million cases in 2019, and deaths from UTIs have grown by 2.4 times between 1990 and 2019.[2] They happen when microorganisms, usually  bacteria enter into the urinary tract via the urethra and multiply in the bladder. Female anatomy makes women particularly vulnerable since they have a shorter urethra than men, which means there's less distance for bacteria to travel.[3] Good hygiene (wiping front to back) is one of the best ways to prevent UTIs because it prevents E. coli from traveling into your urethra from your rectum.[4]

But here's where it gets interesting: food may be linked to urinary tract infections. But what foods are linked to UTIs? This article will walk you through how foodborne E. coli can reach the urinary tract, what this new study discovered, and practical steps you can take to reduce your UTI risk. We'll also dig into whether there's a specific UTI prevention diet that really works.

What the new study found about meat and E. coli

To understand what the researchers uncovered, it helps to start with one key concept. Zoonotic infections are infections caused by pathogens like  bacteria that originate in animals and can be passed to humans—often through exposure to contaminated food or environments, or eating infected  meat.(5)

So, what's the relationship between meat, including beef, pork, turkey, and chicken, and urinary tract infections? The research team analyzed E. coli samples from retail meats and UTI patients across Southern California, and what they found was pretty eye-opening. About 18% of UTIs in the study likely appeared to be responsible from food-animal sources, with chicken and turkey being the main culprits. That's roughly 1 in 5 UTIs in southern California where this study took place could  potentially be connected to the meat we're buying at the grocery store.[1] 

The demographic findings were particularly interesting. Most UTI patients in the study were female (88%), with a median age of 50 years. The patient population was predominantly Hispanic (37%) and non-Hispanic white (31%). Women were significantly more likely to have zoonotic infections than men — nearly 20% of UTIs in women came from food-animal sources compared to just 8.5% in men.  Among men who did have zoonotic infections, they tended to be older (median age 73 years versus 65 years for non-zoonotic infections).[1] 

The rates of these infections were also notably higher among people living in high-poverty areas, where the proportion jumped to 21.5%. In fact, people in high-poverty neighborhoods had a 1.6-fold increased risk compared to those in low-poverty areas. Researchers believe this might be due to factors such as inadequate adherence to food safety regulations, suboptimal retail conditions (like improper storage temperatures), and gaps in food handling and hygiene practices, though there are other exposure pathways to consider as well.[1]

Here's an important clarification: this study doesn't prove that eating chicken directly causes a UTI every time. What it does show is a meaningful link between certain meat-associated E. coli strains and urinary tract infections. The connection between chicken and bladder infections is more complex than simply eating a piece of chicken and immediately getting sick.[1]

How bacteria from meat can reach the urinary tract

Understanding the pathway helps explain why this matters for your health. Here's how E. coli in chicken and meat can reach the urinary tract and potentially cause UTIs: 

E. coli lives naturally in animal intestines and can contaminate the meat during processing. When cattle are processed for food, E. coli bacteria in the intestines can get into the meat.[6] 

Improper cooking or kitchen cross-contamination introduces E. coli into the human gut. Most E. coli strains spread through fecal-oral transmission — when bacteria from feces that are too small to see make their way into your mouth and digestive tract. You can get E. coli on your hands from touching contaminated surfaces, and then it transfers to your mouth. Undercooked meat is another common route.[6,7]

After E. coli gets into your digestive system, certain types have the ability to travel from your intestines to your bladder, where they cause problems. Researchers think the route goes something like this: bacteria from animals end up on meat products, and if it doesn't get killed during cooking or spreads around your kitchen during prep, it sets up shop in your gut first. From there, some strains make the journey up to your urinary tract.[1]

Here's something important to think about: cooking kills E. coli. The problem is that handling errors is incredibly common. Cutting boards, utensils, and hands that touch raw meat and then touch other food or surfaces can be  transmission points.[7]

People with weaker immune systems or recurrent UTIs may be more affected. A suppressed immune system from immunosuppressant medicines, diabetes, or other diseases weakens your body's defense against germs and can raise UTI risk.[3]

What this means for your diet

So, can diet cause UTIs, and is there really a diet UTI connection worth paying attention to? Yes, but it's nuanced. Diet can influence UTI risk in multiple ways, not just through meat exposure. 

Eating more plant-based foods might help in a couple of ways. First, you're naturally eating less meat, which means less exposure to any bacteria that might be hanging around on it. Second, you're getting way more fiber, which is great for your gut bacteria. When your body breaks down all that fiber, it creates short-chain fatty acids  which decrease the intestinal pH and therefore can’t make your intestines a less friendly place for E. coli to thrive. Basically, people who eat mostly plants tend to have fewer E. coli in their intestines  and a gut environment that's potentially better at keeping bad bacteria in check.[8]

A large prospective study from Taiwan found that people who followed a vegetarian diet were less likely to develop UTIs over time than those who ate meat. The authors suggested this association may relate to differences in bacterial exposure and protective compounds found in plant foods.[8]

However, the study had notable limitations: it focused on Taiwanese Buddhist adults, excluded anyone with a prior history of UTIs, and found statistically significant results only among women with uncomplicated infections.[8]

But here's the thing: you don't need to swear off meat entirely. Cooking does kill E. coli, and honestly, vegetables can carry the same bacteria for a multitude of reasons. Going vegetarian isn't the only way to lower your risk.[9,10]

So, can meat like beef and chicken cause UTIs? It's not a simple yes or no answer. Your diet matters, but so does staying hydrated (check out our guide on UTIs and hydration), keeping up with good hygiene, and taking care of your urinary health overall. The connection between meat and bladder infections  means you should be cognizant  about how you buy, store, and cook your meat — not that you have to give it up completely.

Safe food practices that may help reduce risk

If you're concerned about the potential link between what you eat and UTI symptoms, make sure to follow these food safety tips:[11]

• Wash hands and surfaces frequently: This is your first line of defense. Wash your hands before and after handling any food. Clean cutting boards, countertops, and utensils after they come into contact with raw poultry or other meats.

• Separate raw meats from other foods: Use different cutting boards for raw meat versus ready-to-eat foods like vegetables and bread. Never put cooked food on a plate that previously had raw meat on it unless it has been thoroughly washed. Additionally, never store raw meats above ready-to-eat foods in your refrigerator as their juices may leak down onto foods that you don’t always cook before consuming. This prevents cross-contamination in your kitchen.

• Cook to the right temperature: Make sure poultry reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and holds this temperature for 15 seconds. This temperature is sufficient to kill harmful bacteria. Don't rely on color alone to determine if meat is safely cooked.

• Refrigerate leftovers promptly: Bacteria can multiply quickly at room temperature. Refrigerate perishable foods as soon as possible, and store leftovers in shallow containers to help them cool quickly. Also remember to never thaw food at room temperature such as sitting on the counter. The safest way to thaw food is under cool running water, in the refrigerator, or via the cooking process.

Take charge of your urinary health

The research suggests that some UTIs may stem from E. coli linked to chicken and other meats, but that doesn't mean you must stop eating them entirely. What matters most is awareness, safe food handling, and maintaining other urinary health best practices — not just for physical comfort, but because recurrent UTIs can take a toll on your mental health and overall quality of life. 

Remember that a UTI won't go away on its own—if you experience symptoms, you need to see a healthcare provider. But being proactive is where you have real power. Make mindful dietary choices that support your overall urinary and digestive wellness. Stay hydrated, practice good hygiene, and handle food safely in your kitchen. The connection between diet and UTI isn't just about avoiding certain foods — it's about understanding how bacteria from what we eat can affect our bodies and taking steps to minimize risk.

FAQs

Can eating chicken give you a UTI?

Not directly, but new research shows that roughly 1 in 5 UTIs may be linked to E. coli strains found in chicken and other meats. The pathway involves bacteria present on meat from contamination or improper handling and undercooking can potentially colonize your gut, and then migrate to your urinary tract. Proper cooking (chicken should reach 165°F internally for 15 seconds) kills E. coli, but cross-contamination in the kitchen is where most problems occur.

Are vegetarians less likely to get UTIs?

Research suggests they might be. A large observational study from Taiwan found that people following a vegetarian diet had a lower risk of developing UTIs over time compared to non-vegetarians. Researchers proposed that higher fiber intake may support a gut microbiome with lower levels of E. coli, and that plant foods contain naturally occurring compounds that support antibacterial and anti-inflammatory responses.[8]

That said, the study focused on Taiwanese Buddhist adults, excluded individuals with a prior history of UTIs, and found the strongest associations among women with uncomplicated infections. Because of these limitations, the findings don’t prove that a vegetarian diet prevents UTIs. Instead, they suggest that plant-forward eating patterns may be one of several factors that support urinary health.[8]

Does cooking kill E. coli?

Yes, cooking at the proper temperature kills E. coli. Chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F for 15 seconds to destroy harmful bacteria. Foodborne illness can result from both improper cooking and handling errors. Contaminated cutting boards, utensils, or hands can transfer E. coli to foods that won’t be cooked, while undercooked meat may not reach temperatures high enough to reduce harmful bacteria. Using separate tools for raw meat and a food thermometer to confirm safe cooking temperatures can help lower risk. Additionally washing your hands thoroughly before handling food is very important.[11]

What foods help support urinary health?

Urinary and vaginal health are closely connected. Research shows that these areas share many of the same beneficial bacteria, especially Lactobacillus, which helps maintain a balanced environment in both.[12]

Drinking enough water may also support urinary health, particularly for people who typically consume low fluid volumes. According to American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines, increasing daily water intake in individuals drinking less than 1.5 liters per day was associated with fewer recurrent UTI episodes and longer intervals between infections over a 12-month period.[13] Because the vaginal and urinary microbiomes are interconnected, dietary habits that support vaginal health may also support urinary health. You can learn more in our guide to foods for vaginal health