In Focus: Antimicrobial resistance

 

Joint EFSA and ECDC report: resistant bacteria remain an important issue that can affect humans through animals and food

Infografik: Europe’s fight against antimicrobial resistanceThe third joint EFSA and ECDC report on antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic bacteria affecting humans, animals and foods shows the continued presence of resistance to a range of antimicrobials in Salmonella and Campylobacter, the main bacteria causing food-borne infections in the European Union. Nevertheless, co-resistance (combined resistance) to two critically important antimicrobials, remains low. The report is based on data collected by EU Member States for 2011.
 

Infographic: Europe’s fight against antimicrobial resistance
 

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Scientific Report of EFSA: The European Union Summary Report on antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic and indicator bacteria from humans, animals and food in 2011

Understanding science

What is antimicrobial resistance? How is it related to food safety?What is antimicrobial resistance? How is it related to food safety?

EFSA’s work in context

Topic: Antimicrobial Resistance

Topic: Campylobacter

Topic: Salmonella

Fact sheet: EFSA explains zoonotic diseases - Antimicrobial Resistance

 

News

Flavouring substance raises safety concerns

The flavouring substance 3-acetyl-2,5-dimethylthiophene is genotoxic (that is, it can damage DNA, the genetic material of cells) and therefore a safety concern for human health. Genotoxic substances should not be intentionally added to the food chain. In the coming days, EFSA’s scientific advice will help to inform EU risk managers’ decisions regarding the possible removal of 3-acetyl-2,5-dimethylthiophene from the EU list of authorised flavouring substances.

Experts debate bee health at EFSA Colloquium

Experts debate bee health at EFSA Colloquium

More than 100 bee experts met in Parma, Italy, this week to debate the latest scientific developments regarding the risk assessment of multiple stressors in bees. EFSA’s 18th Scientific Colloquium was convened in response to the growing consensus among scientists about the multifactorial origins of bee colony losses and mounting evidence that stressors in bees ¬– such as parasites, diseases, malnutrition and the effects of products such as pesticides – may act in combination as well as independently.

New appointments in Science Strategy Directorate

New appointments in Science Strategy Directorate

EFSA has made a number of senior staff changes following the decision of Dr. Hubert Deluyker to step down as Director of Science Strategy and Coordination (SCISTRAT). Dr. Deluyker takes up the post of Scientific Adviser, and is succeeded as Director of SCISTRAT by Juliane Kleiner.

EFSA provides updates on Schmallenberg virus in EU

EFSA provides updates on Schmallenberg virus in EU

EFSA has analysed the latest epidemiological data on the occurrence of the Schmallenberg virus in Europe. By the end of April 2013 the virus, affecting domestic and wild ruminants, had been reported in most EU Member States. The presence of the virus was confirmed by laboratory tests in more than 8,000 holdings. Data suggested that the virus circulated also during winter months. The Schmallenberg virus has been detected in bisons, deer, moose, alpacas, buffalos, cattle, sheep and goats.

Register for the FEEDAP and ANS Plenary meetings

Register for the FEEDAP and ANS Plenary meetings

Registrations for those interested in attending as Observers the Plenary meetings of the FEEDAP and ANS Panels close respectively on 3 June 2013 and 17 June 2013. As part of EFSA’s commitment to openness and transparency, the Authority is giving access to some scientific plenary meetings either in total or in part in its 2012/2013 programme.