New review explores how foodborne antimicrobial resistance may interact with the human gut microbiome

A team of colleagues of the Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division in FAO has published a new open-access review in the journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, advancing understanding of how antimicrobial resistance (AMR) may spread and supporting the identification of research priorities and more effective interventions to reduce AMR risks and protect public health, food security and sustainable agrifood systems.

The review summarizes current knowledge on how foodborne microorganisms, antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and other food-derived substances may influence AMR dynamics in the human gut microbiome.

AMR is a major global health challenge because it reduces the effectiveness of medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals and plants. While resistant bacteria and ARGs are frequently detected in food and food production environments, important questions remain about the extent to which these microorganisms and genetic elements contribute to the human gut resistome following food consumption.

The review identifies critical knowledge gaps that continue to limit understanding of how ARGs may persist and spread within the gut. Although most bacteria ingested through food are transient and do not establish long-term colonization, they may still contribute to the exchange of resistance genes with resident gut microbiota. The authors examine multiple factors that may influence the transfer and persistence of ARGs, including microbial composition and abundance, genetic elements, antimicrobial residues and conditions that shape microbial survival in the gastrointestinal environment.

The review frames its findings within a One Health approach, highlighting the links between human, animal, plant and environmental health, and the need for prevention across the entire food chain through good practices, antimicrobial stewardship, surveillance and risk assessment.

However, the limited availability of in vivo data makes it difficult to compare findings and fully assess the public health significance of foodborne AMR exposure.

Addressing these gaps in the literature is essential for strengthening risk assessment approaches and supporting evidence-based mitigation strategies.

The article is available open access in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.