Tainted Meat Health Toll

Scientists link chicken consumption to urinary tract infections caused by latent E. coli strains.


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Chicken found on grocery store shelves and served in restaurants may cause urinary tract infections in women, according to new research from McGill University. Eating contaminated meat will often lead to obvious health problems, but strands of the bacteria can lie dormant in the intestines and not cause immediate reactions. Researchers found that this latent strand of E. coli bacteria can later travel from the intestines to the urethra, causing urinary tract infections. The study is also examining the health consequences of eating antibiotic-treated meat. The Public Health Agency of Canada and the University of Guelph compiled sample data for the study in Canada.