Contaminated Chicken May Be Responsible for Urinary Tract Infections

EMSL Analytical performs quality food pathogen testing, including E. coli

WEBWIRE – Tuesday, February 28, 2012

New research suggests that the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) may come from contaminated food—particularly chickens, reports the LA Times. UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary system, which is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

In 2010, Canadian researchers at McGill University demonstrated that E. coli, the most common cause of UTIs, can originate in food. In their newest study published this month, they said that chicken contaminated with E. coli is the most likely culprit.

The scientists tested 320 samples of beef, pork, and chicken and the bacteria that caused UTIs. They found that bacteria from the chicken were much more likely to be genetically related to the UTI-causing bacteria than beef or pork. Therefore, the study’s authors called for stricter anti-contamination practices on poultry farms in order to reduce the number of UTIs.

“EMSL Analytical is one of the nation’s foremost food testing laboratories offering analysis of E. coli and other food pathogens,” states EMSL’s National Food Microbiology Supervisor, Joy Dell’Aringa, M.S., R.M. (N.R.M.), C.F.S.P. “We use various validated methods that are recognized and accepted by regulation agencies. In addition, we offer rapid pathogen screens where appropriate and requested.”

For more information on EMSL’s food testing services, please call (800) 220-3675, email info@emsl.com, or visit www.EMSL.com or www.FoodTestingLab.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a full service testing company providing quality lab services under the same private ownership since 1981. Including the corporate lab facility in Cinnaminson, NJ, EMSL Analytical operates over thirty laboratories nationwide in the US and Canada. We provide analytical services for environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ), industrial hygiene, forensics and materials science, consumer products, food safety, PCR, pharmaceutical, asbestos, lead, and radiological samples. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies. Please see our website for a complete listing of accreditations.