Carbapenemase-producing bacteria, once a problem mainly in hospitals, are now being detected in food animals and food products throughout Europe, according to an opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published on Tuesday 8 April.
This opinion concerns the spread of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPEs) in the food chain within the EU/EFTA.
Although there is no definitive proof that these bacteria are transmitted to humans through consuming food, identical strains have been identified in both animals and humans, suggesting possible transmission between these two groups.
EPCs are bacteria that produce enzymes (carbapenemases) that inactivate carbapenem antibiotics. These antibiotics are used to treat serious infections in humans. Resistance to these medicines represents a major risk to public health, as it could leave few effective treatment options. EFSA’s latest scientific opinion, which follows on from its 2013 assessment, reviews the data and literature available up to the end of February 2025.
Link to opinion: https://aeur.eu/f/gbp (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)