Irene Dini
Widespread, sometimes careless use of antibiotics has accelerated the rise and spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. These resistant bacteria are now often found in animal-based foods like meat, milk, and eggs, as well as in plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables. Contaminated food is a key way these bacteria travel through the food chain and eventually reach people. This review brings together global trends in antibiotic contamination, explains the molecular mechanisms underlying antimicrobial resistance, and examines current approaches to addressing this problem. It also highlights new technologies that could work alongside or improve on traditional antibiotics. Some promising options are antimicrobial peptides, natural bioactive compounds, nanomaterials, and monoclonal antibody-based therapies. Tackling antimicrobial resistance requires teamwork across fields such as microbiology, food science, pharmacology, environmental science, and public health. Future research should strengthen global surveillance, standardize resistance-assessment methods, expand studies on non-bacterial pathogens, and ensure rigorous evaluation of novel therapies for pharmacokinetics, toxicity, scalability, and regulatory compliance. Ongoing global cooperation and new scientific ideas are crucial to slow the spread of resistant microbes and protect food safety and human health.