Antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria in the food chain: Current challenges and global mitigation strategies

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in foodborne bacteria is an escalating global public health challenge, threatening the effectiveness of antibiotics and food safety. This review examines AMR trends in foodborne bacteria, compares management strategies across different regions, and explores policies aligned with the One Health approach. Data from Taiwan, the United States, the European Union, Japan, and Africa indicate that foodborne pathogens exhibit significant resistance to antibiotics, posing serious challenges to public health and food systems. In response to this growing challenge, nations have implemented surveillance programs, national action plans, and public awareness campaigns, often guided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and international frameworks. It also proposes key management strategies, including risk assessment, environmental monitoring of food production and processing, and enhanced cross-sector collaboration. By integrating national AMR management efforts with global best practices, countries can strengthen their capacity to address this pressing challenge. Collaborative actions, including policy alignment, research innovation, and cross-sector cooperation, are essential for achieving more effective control of foodborne AMR pathogens worldwide.