Brussels: The European Commission has announced a significant measure to combat antimicrobial resistance by updating the list of countries authorized to export food-producing animals and animal products to the European Union. This move, supported by a vote from EU Member States, reinforces the EU's commitment to ensuring that antimicrobials are used prudently in animals to safeguard public health in the region.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the updated list features third countries that have demonstrated compliance with EU restrictions on antimicrobial use in food-producing animals. The European Commission provided an assessment of their compliance and guarantees, which served as the basis for the list. Under EU regulations, the use of antimicrobials in livestock for growth or yield purposes is prohibited, and animals cannot be treated with antimicrobials reserved for human infections. The updated list will be formally adopted shortly, with the import rules becoming effective from September 3, 2026.
Antimicrobial resistance is recognized as a major public health threat, prompting the EU to take these steps to protect the health of its citizens. By ensuring that antimicrobials are used responsibly in animals, the EU aims to mitigate the risk of resistance, which can render antibiotics ineffective in treating human infections. Further details on the list of third countries and the EU's efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance can be accessed online.