Antimicrobial Resistance in Foods of Animal Origin in India: A Narrative Review of Implications for Food Safety and Public Health.

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global public health challenge, and the food chain is increasingly recognized as an important pathway for transmission of resistant microorganisms from animals to humans. In India, extensive use of antimicrobials for therapeutic, prophylactic, and growth promoting purposes in food producing animals has raised serious food safety and public health concerns. The aim of this narrative review is to compile data from 2010–2025 on veterinary antimicrobials use, AMR trends and antimicrobial residues in milk, meat, poultry, eggs, and aquaculture products (including the environment) in India, and highlight gaps in surveillance and policy within a One Health approach. Evidence published shows that high levels of antimicrobial resistant pathogens (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) occur in animal-derived food with public health risks from both consumption and handling for example, MRSA was detected in 46% raw milk samples and multidrug resistance of over 60% in some poultry isolates). The scaling-up of antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary practice, improved hygiene and biosecurity in the food chain, increasing integrative surveillance for AMR and better intersectoral coordination is essential to protect public health and ensure food safety in India.