April 8, 2008

EU evaluates bacterium rate of tolerance to antimicrobial substances
 

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated whether there is an increased bacterial tolerance and resistance to antibiotics through four antimicrobial substances that are used to decontaminate poultry carcasses.

The four substances, which are chlorine dioxide, acidified sodium chlorite, trisodium phosphate and peroxyacids, are used in the US to kill or reduce bacteria count such as salmonella or campylobacter in poultry. The EU has not authorized such substances, although permission may be given if there is a positive scientific evaluation.

The EFSA Panel has concluded that despite the long years of usage, there is currently no evidence to indicate that the four substances, within the suggested usage conditions, will cause increased bacterial tolerance and resistance to these substances and other antimicrobial agents. However, the Panel will support further research into the possibility of increased tolerance.