There are calls for European nations to do much more in the fight against foodborne bacteria.

A joint report from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has warned antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in common foodborne bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter continues to be a public health concern across the continent.

While resistance to commonly used antimicrobials remains widespread in foodborne bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, several countries have reported progress in reducing resistance levels in humans and in food-producing animals. Because these foodborne bacteria can spread from animals and food to humans, causing severe infections that may require antimicrobial treatment, continued action under a One Health approach remains essential the report added.

“A high proportion of Campylobacter and Salmonella from both humans and food-producing animals continue to show resistance to ciprofloxacin, an important antimicrobial used to treat severe infections in humans,” the report cautioned. “While resistance in Salmonella from food-producing animals has been consistently high, resistance in human Salmonella infections has increased in recent years.

This trend is concerning, as resistance to ciprofloxacin limits the effectiveness of available treatment options. In Campylobacter, resistance is now so widespread in Europe that ciprofloxacin is no longer recommended for the treatment of human infections. To safeguard its continued effectiveness in human medicine, restrictions have been placed on its use in animals.”

The organisations added across Europe a high proportion of Salmonella and Campylobacter from both humans and targeted food-producing animals also show resistance to commonly used antimicrobials, including ampicillin, tetracyclines and sulfonamides.

Furthermore, the detection of carbapenemase-producing E. coli bacteria in food-producing animals and meat in several countries requires close attention. Carbapenems are last-resort antimicrobials for humans and are not authorised for use in food-producing animals. The number of reported detections is increasing, and the sources need further investigation.

“Although a high proportion of Salmonella and Campylobacter from humans and food-producing animals remain resistant to commonly used antimicrobials, several countries have reported declining resistance to specific antimicrobials over time, showing that targeted efforts can make a difference,” it added.

The report concluded: “Antimicrobial resistance affects everyone. When bacteria become resistant to antimicrobials, infections are harder to treat, and treatment options become limited. 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 infection prevention strategies.

“These findings highlight the importance of a One Health approach, recognising the close links between human health, animal health, and food production. While progress has been made in some areas, continued and responsible use of antimicrobials across all sectors, combined with effective infection prevention, animal health, and food safety practices, remains essential to slow the emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, and to protect public health across Europe.”