Increasing threat of carbapenem resistance in EU food supply
Recent findings from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) highlight a growing concern: carbapenemase-producing bacteria, once predominantly a hospital issue, are increasingly being identified in food animals and food products across Europe. This alarming trend reflects findings from EFSA’s latest scientific opinion on the occurrence and spread of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) within the EU and EFTA regions.
Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) are bacteria capable of producing enzymes that deactivate carbapenem antibiotics, which are vital for treating severe infections in humans. Although definitive evidence linking these bacteria to human illness via food is lacking, identical strains have been identified in both animals and humans, raising concerns about potential transmission pathways. EFSA’s assessment builds on earlier evaluations, compiling data up to February 2025 and incorporating insights from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The findings indicate that CPE have been detected in 14 of the 30 EU/EFTA countries since 2011, with a notable increase in cases reported in pigs, cattle, and poultry, especially in 2021 and 2023.
To mitigate the spread of CPE, EFSA has proposed several recommendations:
1. Expanded monitoring: Increase surveillance to include other food sources currently not monitored, such as seafood and vegetables, as well as additional bacterial species like Klebsiella.
2. Improved detection methods: Enhance detection techniques and conduct thorough trace-back investigations to clarify transmission routes, including potential spread through workers and animal feed.
3. Focused research: Encourage targeted studies to better understand the dynamics of CPE spread within the food chain.
EFSA is committed to supporting member states and EFTA countries in further investigations to generate new data regarding the occurrence and spread of CPE. An updated opinion is expected to be published in 2027, reflecting the latest findings and developments.
The ongoing efforts by EFSA to address antimicrobial resistance underscore the importance of a coordinated One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health. This comprehensive strategy is essential to effectively monitor and combat the spread of carbapenemase-producing bacteria in the food chain, ensuring public health safety in an ever-evolving landscape.
Source:
Switzerland: Resistant bacteria detected in frozen hamburgers
A recent investigation by the Swiss magazine K-Tipp has revealed concerning levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and pathogens in frozen beef burgers. [...]
Zoonotic diseases in Europe on the rise, according to ECDC and EFSA new report
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have published the joint European Union One Health 2 [...]
