Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global public health concern. The excessive use of antibiotics in farmed animals is one of the leading sources of AMR infection in humans. Antibiotic-resistant illnesses kill more than 700,000 people each year and are expected to outnumber cancer deaths by 2050. This is because antibiotic-resistant illnesses are difficult to treat with existing antibiotic regimens. The most common pathogens responsible for AMR-related mortality are Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Acinetobacter aaumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AMR is a global pandemic, yet it is also preventable. National governments have recognized that understanding AMR's manifestation, transmission, prevention, and treatment is crucial to halting its spread. To prevent the spread of AMR, all food supply chain partners must engage and collaborate to ensure the safety of meat throughout the meat supply chain. Consumers are critical in the fight against AMR, and they must recognize the significance of their role. By safeguarding themselves from AMR infections caused by meat and meat products, consumers can contribute to reducing the AMR threat.