Antimicrobial resistance in foodborne bacteria remains a public health concern in Europe as it limits treatment options, according to a new report.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in common foodborne bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter is a public health concern, European agencies warn.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
A high proportion of Campylobacter and Salmonella from both humans and animals continue to show resistance to ciprofloxacin, an important antimicrobial used to treat severe infections, said the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on Wednesday.
Salmonella and Campylobacter are two bacteria that are among the most common causes of foodborne illness.
Infection is usually caused by eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and eggs, or by drinking unpasteurised milk.
In 2024, over one in five human Salmonella infections resisted ciprofloxacin, with multidrug resistance affecting nearly one in five cases overall, limiting the effectiveness of available treatment options, the new report found.
In Campylobacter, resistance is now so widespread in Europe that ciprofloxacin is no longer recommended for the treatment of human infections, the health agency warned.
These two bacteria are also showing resistance to other commonly used antibiotics such as ampicillin, tetracyclines, and sulfonamides.
“Antimicrobial resistance in common foodborne bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter highlights the close links between human, animal, and food systems,” said Piotr Kramarz, chief scientist at ECDC.
He added that protecting the effectiveness of antimicrobials requires coordinated action through a strong One Health approach.
The importance of the One Health approach
The agencies said the findings highlight the importance of a One Health approach, recognising the close links between human health, animal health, and food production.
One Health is the principle that guides health actions based on the interconnectivity of the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment.
Resistance patterns vary widely between countries, bacteria, and antimicrobials, reflecting differences in how antimicrobials are used, as well as in farming practices, animal health measures, and prevention strategies.
Foodborne illnesses in Europe
In 2024, the European Union reported 168,396 human cases of Campylobacter and 79,703 cases of Salmonella – showing a steady increase since 2020.
The increase in foodborne infections is likely due to a combination of factors, including changing eating habits – for example, more ready-to-eat meals – as well as unhygienic food handling practices and an ageing population that is more vulnerable to illness.
In 2024, vegetables and other non-animal products were linked to the most deaths in food poisoning outbreaks, with strong evidence on their origins. But Salmonella was responsible for most multi-country outbreaks overall, with eggs and egg products the key vehicle.
