Scientific Opinion on Carbapenem resistance in food animal ecosystems

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), in December 2013, published an opinion on carbapenem resistance in food-producing animals and derived food.

Carbapenems are antimicrobials used for the treatment of serious infections in humans. Resistance of bacteria to carbapenems poses a public health risk as it could leave few available therapeutic options for patients. To date, only a few studies have reported carbapenem-resistant bacteria in food-producing animals. Experts in the European Food Safety Authority's Panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) assessed the potential for resistance transmission from animals to humans through the food chain. The scientific opinion also gives recommendation on how to prevent the emergence of resistant bacteria.