For the first time, EFSA experts have assessed the role of food-producing environments in the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through the food chain. A scientific opinion, published on Tuesday 15 June, identifies the main sources of resistant bacteria and genes and options for control.
Fertilisers of faecal origin, irrigation and water are the most important sources of AMR in plant food and/or aquaculture, says EFSA. For terrestrial animal production, potential sources consist of feed, humans, water, air/dust, soil, wildlife, rodents, arthropods and equipment.
Measures to limit the emergence and spread of resistance in food-producing environments include reducing faecal microbial contamination of fertilisers, water and feed and implementing good hygiene practices. The experts also made recommendations on priority research areas which would allow for filling data gaps and thus help EU risk managers implement the EU ‘One Health action plan against AMR’. See the scientific opinion: https://bit.ly/3gsIpiS (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)