Examining food production and the spread of AMR

The role played by the environment in the spread of antimicrobial resistance has not been sufficiently researched.

Scientists from the European Food Safety Authority have, for the first time, published an assessment of the role played by the food production and its environment in the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The assessment was conducted by the Panel on Biological Hazards.

The EFSA says that fertilisers of faecal origin, irrigation and water are the most significant sources of AMR in plant-based food production and aquaculture. In terrestrial animal production, potential sources of AMR include feed, humans, water, air or dust, soil, wildlife, rodents, arthropods and equipment.