The Federal Government has begun a nationwide survey of antimicrobial resistance in Australia’s food supply to protect Australians against the threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Antimicrobial resistance is the resistance of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites to antimicrobial or antibiotic medicines. Described as a ‘silent pandemic,’ antimicrobial resistance is one of the World Health Organisations' top 10 global public health threats.

Common infections can become untreatable, leading to more extended hospital stays and higher death rates.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand, together with state and territory regulators, has begun sampling retail beef, pork and poultry products as part of a national strategy to minimise the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Media release: https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-ged-kearney-mp/media/protecting-australians-from-antimicrobial-resistance-in-food