Preventing against a future health crisis
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a silent crisis, claiming 35,000 European lives each year. AMR occurs when bacteria adapt to resist antibiotics. This allows the tougher bacteria to survive and grow stronger.
The JRC has played an essential role in helping the EU to fight against the ongoing AMR health crisis. In 2024, it developed new methodologies to detect antibiotic residues in animal feed and has monitored waterways for potential AMR-triggers such as antimicrobial drugs or pesticides.
The JRC will continue to pursue cutting-edge research and support the global momentum against the growing AMR threat.
Global impact
Developed methodology to detect tiny amounts of antibiotics to anticipate and mitigate risks.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health threat, but its spread through the environment remains a mystery. The JRC’s open-science approach focused on policy outcomes is leading EU and global partners to better understand and limit the rise of AMR, particularly in wastewater and rivers.
Boosted detection in animal feed
One of the ways that super resistant bacteria can pass to humans is through animal feed. To mitigate this risk, a delegated EU regulation, steered by DG Health and Food Safety (SANTE), entered into force in May 2024. This secondary legislation, limiting the presence of antibiotics in animal feed, builds on the JRC’s expertise in food and feed analysis.
The JRC developed and validated cutting-edge analytical methods capable of detecting tiny amounts of 24 antibiotics in animal feed. National control laboratories across the EU will have until May 2025 to adopt these detection methods at national level. Enhancing our ability to detect antibiotics at "as low as achievable" levels is an important step in helping to prevent a public health crisis.
Monitored water to better predict AMR trends
Monitoring waterways is another extremely useful way of identifying potential risks before they reach us. The JRC examines rivers, lakes, and other surface waters to track the presence and concentration of antibiotics, azoles or other substances which are used for medical treatment or as pesticides and can strengthen bacteria. This data is gathered in the surface water Watch List (the most recent report can be found here) as part of the Water Framework Directive.
JRC scientists are also working on common standards for safe re-use of wastewater for irrigation purposes. This is important to prevent antibiotics from leaking into the environment. The JRC has produced reference material to reliably measure antibiotics in wastewater so it can be safely reused, for example in farming.
The JRC also maintains the EU Wastewater Observatory for Public Health and assists the DG for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (HERA) by providing scientific, technical and logistical support.
Drives global action
AMR is an important EU priority, but it also stands as one of the most pressing global health threats of our time. The JRC-developed methods constitute a significant contribution and advancement in the concerted global effort to combat antimicrobial resistance and preserve the well-being of both animals and humans alike.
In the context of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in September 2024, a Political Declaration was reached which committed UN member countries, including EU Member States, and the EU to stepping up action against AMR. The JRC will continue to support this global effort with cutting-edge science and its high-tech labs to address the AMR threat in a holistic way.
Pursues cutting-edge research
In addition to detection and monitoring, the JRC will also continue to explore alternative solutions. The JRC’s work on bacteriophages for example, viruses that specifically attack and kill bacteria, is important to support the implementation of alternative therapies. In March 2024, a JRC overview report on phage therapy served as a basis for discussion at the European Parliament.