Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in E. coli on beef and pork meat on retail sale in the UK (October to December 2021)

Surveys to monitor the presence of AMR bacteria in foods of animal origin is a requirement of the European Directive 2003/99/EC and the commission implementing decision 2013/652/EU on the monitoring and reporting of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in zoonotic and commensal bacteria.

Antibiotic resistance (AMR) in microorganisms is a growing problem. While it is a natural process, the extensive use of antimicrobials in humans and animals has been a significant driving force in its development. Antimicrobials are used in the livestock industry to prevent and control bacterial disease. The use of subtherapeutic levels of antibiotics in animal feed (as growth promotors) since the 1950’s has caused an expansion of the pool of AMR bacteria. In 2006 the use of these was banned in the EU, and also in the UK.