How can the FSA improve the evidence base concerning Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and food?
Addressing the public health threat posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a national strategic priority for the UK and has led to the UK Government publishing both a 20-year vision of AMR, and a 5-year (2019 to 2024) AMR National Action Plan (NAP) which sets out actions to slow the development and spread of AMR with a focus on antimicrobials. The NAP takes a ‘One-Health’ approach which includes people, animals, agriculture, food safety and the environment. Better food safety and production can help limit the contamination of foodstuffs and spread of resistance. Achieving it requires strong risk-management and a solid understanding of how AMR travels through the food chain.
This Area of Research Interest (ARI) aims to enable the FSA to continue to contribute to the delivery of the AMR NAP by strengthening the evidence base on the role of food and how it is processed impacts the transmission of AMR. This includes more surveillance and research on the diversity and burden of AMR genes in the UK diet and their relevance to the gut resistome and risk assessments for foodborne AMR.
The portfolio of work includes:
- surveillance of AMR bacteria in food
- research to understand how and to what extent AMR is transmitted through the food chain and how can this be mitigated
- social science research to track the perceptions and understanding of food handlers and consumers about bacteria and what can be done to protect people through food hygiene at home
Research projects related to the programme
Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in E. coli on beef and pork meat on retail sale in the UK (October to December 2021)
Surveys to monitor the presence of AMR bacteria in foods of animal origin is a requirement of the European Directive 2003/99/EC and the commission implementing decision 2013/652/EU on the monitoring and reporting of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in zoonotic and commensal bacteria.
Surveillance of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in raw dog and cat food on retail sale in the UK
This survey is gathering data on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria found in raw dog and cat food on retail sale in the UK. This will enable us to identify any risk to the public by cross contamination during the storage and handling of these products.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Biofilms Formed During Secondary Food Processing of Meat and Meat Products
This project identifies the Antimicrobial Resistance Genes present in bacterial biofilms in meat processing plants, using techniques that allow us to generate large amounts of DNA sequence data from biofilm samples.
Transmission of AMR bacteria during the processing of chicken meat
This study is a laboratory-based study which will track the AMR contamination found on chicken during processing. This study will identify the critical points during meat processing where more stringent interventions (enhanced cleaning and disinfectants) may be required to reduce the AMR contamination on meats and the risk to consumers.
Levels and trends of antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter spp. from chicken in the UK
An increased rate of resistance in Campylobacter in chicken to such antimicrobials could limit effective treatment options for human infections and it is therefore important to monitor changes in rates of resistance over time. In this report we analysed trends in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in C. jejuni and C. coli isolated from chicken in the UK.
A survey of Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and antimicrobial resistance in frozen, part-cooked, breaded or battered poultry products on retail sale in the United Kingdom
In this study we estimated how frequently Salmonella spp. were present in frozen, breaded or battered chicken products, intended to be cooked before consumption, on retail sale in the UK between April and July 2021.
Modelling framework to quantify the risk of AMR exposure via food products - example of chicken and lettuce
This study reviewed literature for the creation of a set of modular templates of risk of AMR within the chicken and lettuce supply chain, focusing on all processing stages. This work sought to enable the FSA to produce more efficient and reproducible AMR risk assessments within foods.
A survey of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) E. coli, Campylobacter and Salmonella on chicken and turkey meat on retail sale in the UK (2022)
The FSA have commissioned an AMR survey in chicken and turkey meat collected at retail sale in the UK from January to December 2022.
A survey of AMR E. coli on beef and pork on retail sale in the UK (2021)
Since 2015, we have carried out surveillance of AMR in UK retail meats. This provides us with evidence of the prevalence of AMR E. coli in beef and pork samples on retail sale.
EU Harmonised Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in E. coli from Retail Meats in UK (2020 - Year 6, chicken)
This sixth annual publication details the findings of a survey of Antimicrobial Resistant (AMR) E. coli in Retail Chicken. The research was carried out during 2020.
What is the Burden of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Selected Ready-to-Eat Foods?
This study estimated the diversity of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in 52 simple ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, including milk, tomatoes, bananas, cheese, and ham.
A survey of AMR E. coli on beef and pork on retail sale in the UK (2021)
Since 2015, the FSA has carried out surveillance of AMR in UK retail meats. This will provide us with evidence of the prevalence of AMR E. coli in beef and pork samples on retail sales.
A microbiological survey of campylobacter contamination in fresh whole UK-produced chilled chickens at retail sale (Y6)
This survey follows on from previous reports examining fresh, whole UK-produced chickens sold at non-major retailers. The survey again looks at prevalence and levels of campylobacter contamination and antimicrobial resistance on chicken neck skin.
AMR Consumer Research Report
A quantitative research study, utilising a representative UK sample to understand awareness of, and attitudes towards, antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
Survey of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Bacteria in Lamb and Turkey Meat on Retail Sale in the UK
The FSA is continuing to commission projects to improve our understanding of the role the food chain plays in the development and spread of AMR bacteria.
Enhanced molecular-based surveillance and source attribution of campylobacter infections in the UK
This survey estimates the contributions of the main sources of human campylobacter infection and seeks to identify any changes over time.
Assessing the impact of heat treatment on antimicrobial resistant (AMR) genes and their potential uptake by other ‘live’ bacteria
Critical review into the evidence regarding the impact of heat treatments on AMR genes, and their uptake in other 'live' cells.
Antimicrobial resistance in biofilms formed during secondary food processing of meat and meat products
This project will analyse the contribution of bacteria in biofilms in secondary meat processing facilities to the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) burden of foodstuffs.
Review of antibiotic use in crops, associated risk of antimicrobial resistance and research gaps
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health problem, requiring a ‘One Health’ response. Following reports of increased use of antibiotics to treat bacterial plant diseases, the FSA collaborated with Defra to commission a review of antibiotic use in crops, the associated risk of AMR and research gaps.
What is the burden of antimicrobial resistance genes in selected ready-to-eat foods?
This study will use sequencing to estimate the diversity of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in selected ready-to-eat (RTE) foods. This will give insights into the burden and source of AMR genes in the gut microbiome, which could be a key driver of AMR.
A critical review of the impact of food processing on antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria in meats and meat products
The aim of this review was to determine the impact secondary food processing has on the presence and spread of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria in meat and meat products. It also included consideration of bacterial stress responses and the use of sub-lethal food processing technologies in relation to AMR.
Antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli from retail chilled chicken in the UK
This survey looked at the proportion of C. jejuni and C. coli strains isolated from year 4 of the FSA’s UK retail chicken survey that were resistant to a range of antimicrobial agents.
EU Harmonised Survey of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) on retail meats (Pork and Beef/Chicken)
This survey looks at antimicrobial resistance in raw beef, pork and chicken samples at retail.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli from Retail Chilled Chicken in the UK
This survey looks at the proportion of Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli strains isolated from year 2 of the FSA’s retail chicken survey that were resistant to a range of antimicrobial agents.