FAO releases information about economic concerns and food safety

A new FAO publication sheds light on the economic concerns associated with foodborne antimicrobial resistance (AMR). According to Jeffrey LeJeune, FAO Food Safety Officer, antimicrobial resistance not only increases healthcare expenses but also affects the overall costs of food production. 

The public health impact of AMR, the direct cause of 1.27 million deaths globally each year, is often cited. However, there are other less recognized negative societal impacts of AMR. “Antimicrobial resistance is a threat to sustainable food systems, economic growth, and the future of our planet,” said LeJeune. 

The publication highlights the economic concerns and costs associated with AMR, noting that the estimated economic value of each premature death due to non-Typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) is USD 10 million. Over 5 000 people die each year due to resistant NTS infections worldwide. Thus, the worldwide economic burden attributable to resistant NTS was equivalent to USD 50 billion in 2019. 

“A current challenge is developing policies that consider the trade-offs between producers’ financial investments in antimicrobial stewardship and the societal benefits of reduced antimicrobial resistance achieved by decreased antimicrobial usage,” said LeJeune.  

The document also suggests what countries should consider in their policies to address the issue of foodborne AMR.  

Please read the full article here: https://www.fao.org/antimicrobial-resistance/news-and-events/news/news-details/en/c/1645164/

Please read the publication here: Foodborne antimicrobial resistance (AMR): an economic concern (fao.org) 

Photo credit © FAO/J. Koelen