Antimicrobial resistance, trade, food safety and security

Antimicrobial resistance, trade, food safety and security 'scientifically supported evidence' given that evidence-based data along the international food chain has not been systematically studied.This AMR Taskforce will also be carefully monitored by non-state entities such as national food export industries, global food producers and pharmaceutical companies.WTO members can apply stricter food safety measure than those set by Codex but may be required to justify these measures scientifically.Codex food standards therefore can have far reaching implications for food exporters and in resolving trade disputes so the outcomes from this Taskforce will resonate politically and economically.Although Codex is not expected to finalise its work until 2020, AMR related research is growing exponentially.Information on resistant organisms in the food chain will likely become accessible, including from international institutions and leading AMR experts and researchers.Consequently, governments could then be pressured by consumers to adjust their food safety regulatory frameworks in advance of any political consensus reached through Codex.