Hospital-Linked Superbugs Found in the Food Chain, EFSA Warns

From Hospitals to Our Plates

A potentially deadly bacterium commonly found in hospitals has now been detected in the food chain, raising concern among scientists. This is the first time that a hospital-associated bacterium capable of causing antibiotic resistance has been identified in food.

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) have been found in food-producing animals and food products across Europe, according to tests conducted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Although the discovery is alarming, scientists say there is no definitive evidence yet that the bacteria can be transmitted to humans through food. However, identical strains have been found in both animals and humans, indicating that transmission is possible.

What Are CPEs?

CPEs produce enzymes that deactivate carbapenems—antibiotics considered a last-resort treatment for serious human infections.

“Resistance to these drugs poses a significant public health risk, potentially leaving few effective treatment options,” EFSA warned.

CPEs have been detected in food chains in 14 out of 30 EU countries since 2011.

The number of reported CPE cases in pigs, cattle, and poultry has increased, with more incidents documented between 2021 and 2023.

How to Stop CPE From Spreading

To help combat and eliminate the spread of CPE in Europe’s food system, EFSA recommends the following:

• Expand food supply monitoring, particularly in areas currently under-monitored, such as seafood and vegetables
• Improve detection methods, including traceback investigations and bacterial molecular typing, to identify transmission routes and distributors
• Focus research on better understanding how these bacteria spread through the food chain

“EFSA will support EU Member States and EFTA countries in investigating and generating new data on the emergence and spread of CPE, taking into account gene variability across countries and animal species. An updated opinion will be published in 2027 to reflect the latest findings,” the agency said in a statement.

This update comes as Europe continues to battle the rapid spread of avian influenza in recent months, with several regions increasing countermeasures and biosecurity responses.