Medicine-resistant bacteria getting into the food chain

Bacteria that are resistant to medicines are being passed into humans from the food chain, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland has warned.

A report published yesterday by the FSAI has called on vets to use antimicrobial agents “prudently” amid fears that misuse of such medicines, such as antibiotics, has led to a resistance to treatment in animals that in turn is spreading to humans through the food chain.

The FSAI said while antimicrobial agents have revolutionised the treatment of microbial infections, their use and misuse have resulted in the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) — where antimicrobial agents are no longer effective.