Critical review of AMR risks arising as a consequence of using biocides and certain heavy metals in food animal production

Given that the FSA has made a commitment to strengthen the evidence around AMR and the food chain within the 2019-2024 AMR National Action Plan (Opens in a new window), we are funding a broad critical review of the scientific literature to address this evidence gap around the development of AMR arising from the use and accumulation of biocides and heavy metals in food animal production. Specifically, the review question is “Do biocides and/or heavy metals used in food animal production have an impact on the development of AMR in the food chain?” This study will consist of 5 phases which are: To carry out a structured literature search of appropriate databases and sources to compile a broad data set of potentially relevant articles pertaining to the impact of biocides and/or heavy metals used in food animal production (literature review). To screen the compiled data set of potentially relevant articles and select articles for data extraction (Article screening). To extract, and analyse, pertinent data from articles that have been selected (Data extraction and analysis). To synthesise the extracted data from articles into a formal review final report to establish what existing data and understanding there is, what data gaps remain and provide recommendations for further work (data synthesis and review completion). To disseminate the findings of the project to key stakeholders to inform them of the impact of biocides and/or heavy metals used in food animal production on the development of AMR and where further work is required (Dissemination).