Antimicrobial Resistance Along the Food Chain: Spread and Integrated Strategies for Mitigation and Control

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global threat driven not only by misuse in human medicine, but also by extensive and often inappropriate use of antimicrobials in animals, agriculture, and aquaculture. Resistant pathogens can enter the food chain, with over 10% of food samples found to contain antimicrobial-resistant organisms. The veterinary sector plays a major role due to high antimicrobial use in animal production, accelerating resistance spread across humans, animals, and the environment.

Because AMR spreads rapidly across sectors and borders, isolated efforts are insufficient—requiring a coordinated One Health approach. Key priorities include stronger antimicrobial stewardship (especially in animal production), reduced routine prophylactic use, improved cross-sector surveillance, and better diagnostics (notably rapid and molecular tools) to guide targeted treatment. At the same time, sustained investment in new therapies and alternative solutions is essential to address the escalating AMR burden.