Risk assessment of antibiotic resistant bacteria in food producing animals

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM) is requested by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA) to assess to what extent antibiotic resistant bacteria in food producing animals pose a risk to humans. The development of antibiotic resistance is an increasing problem both in Norway and globally. Use and misuse of antibiotics is probably the main reason for this development, but also the use and misuse of other drugs and chemicals, heavy metals and trace elements can contribute. Cross-sector collaboration to reduce the incidence and impact of bacteria with antibiotic resistance is instigated in Norway. Strategy to prevent and limit Spread of bacteria from livestock via food producing animals to humans has long been known. On behalf of NFSA has VKM been asked to assess to what extent antibiotic resistant bacteria in food producing animals pose a risk to humans. NFSA will use the risk assessment as basis to create a strategy against the development and spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria between food producing animals and people. VKM Panel for hygiene and infectious agents will be responsible for the risk assessment, and it is expected to be finalized in 2015.NO; en; vkm@vkm.n