Antibiotic resistance and food

Food like meat, fresh herbs and raw vegetables can carry bacteria. People can pick up these bacteria by handling or consuming foods. Scientists believe this is one of the ways that multidrug-resistant bacteria are transmitted to people. Practising good hygiene helps prevent foodborne infections.

Research into superbugs and food

Food can play a role in transmitting multidrug-resistant bacteria. But superbugs on food do not always make people sick. It is not clear how transmission via food takes place, or how often it occurs.

Researchers are studying how superbugs on food can be transmitted to people. This will enable the government to introduce effective measures.

Food safety rules

Producers must comply with strict rules to ensure that food is safe to eat. An animal that has recently been treated with antibiotics may not be slaughtered. Meat containing antibiotic residues may not be sold. The Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) monitors food safety in the Netherlands.

Preventing infections by multidrug-resistant bacteria

Consumers can prevent becoming infected by bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics by practising good hygiene when preparing food.