A global initiative is required to control the spread of superbugs which are resistant to antibiotics and contaminating the food chain, according to the new chief executive of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. Speaking at a recent World Health Organisation meeting in Berlin, Dr Patrick Wall said control of these bacteria would require responsible use of antibiotics on farms, reducing infection in animals and poultry, and lessening the risk of contamination at all stages of food preparation.
"If antibiotics are overused, sensitive bacteria are killed, leaving resistant bacteria free to multiply without competition. This can result in a situation where there is no effective drug to control bacteria in animals and poultry," he warned.
Because of the global market in food, a global approach was required to control use of antibiotics in animals, particularly pigs, poultry and farmed fish, and to monitor their production.
"Antibiotics should not be used as a substitute for hygienic husbandry. Healthy animals will produce healthy food, so it's imperative animals and poultry are kept disease-free." Food processors and manufacturers, retailers and consumers had to play their part by appropriate food preparation and cooking.
Dr Wall is a medical consultant attached to the British National Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre and is due take up his new post in December.
