The superbug methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is able to infect food but eating or handling tainted produce does not present an increased health hazard to humans, a new report has said.
However, the study, compiled jointly by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) and the European Medicines Agency (EMEA), found that people who work closely with MRSA-infected animals are at risk of catching the bacteria. Farmers, veterinarians and their families face the greatest threat, they concluded.
The research also highlighted the hazards from overuse of antimicrobial medicines for animals and recommended exploring the development of alternative treatments.
However, the study, compiled jointly by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) and the European Medicines Agency (EMEA), found that people who work closely with MRSA-infected animals are at risk of catching the bacteria. Farmers, veterinarians and their families face the greatest threat, they concluded.
The research also highlighted the hazards from overuse of antimicrobial medicines for animals and recommended exploring the development of alternative treatments.
