The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a new guidance for food safety authorities in Europe about the prevention and control of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the food supply chain, from a One Health perspective. The document provides an overview of foodborne AMR in Europe and explores the role of food safety authorities in reducing AMR, offering practical advice and examples of successful interventions.
According to WHO, more than 33,000 people die each year in the EU/European Economic Area (EEA) due to infection by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The use of antibiotics in food animals for treatment and growth promotion has contributed to the global rise of AMR, although efforts have been made to combat the issue in recent years, through initiatives by international organizations and national governments to mitigate and surveil AMR.