Colles, F., et al. (2026). Food Standards Agency Research Project.
17 March 2026
A comprehensive genomic study commissioned by the Food Standards Agency has highlighted a concerning rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among Campylobacter, the leading cause of bacterial food poisoning in the UK. Analyzing over 4,000 isolates from human clinical cases and agri-food sources between 2019 and 2024, researchers utilized whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and machine learning to map transmission routes and resistance trends.
Using advanced AI modeling, the study estimated that more than 80% of human Campylobacter infections in the UK are derived from poultry. Ruminants (cattle and sheep) were identified as the second-largest source.
Resistance to fluoroquinolones and tetracycline, two vital classes of antibiotics, has significantly increased. Fluoroquinolone resistance in C. jejuni isolates from Oxfordshire nearly doubled, rising from 28.2% in 2003 to 55.2% in 2024.
Resistance levels have continued to climb even with substantial reductions in antimicrobial use on UK farms since 2012.
The study found that certain chicken-associated and AMR lineages can survive for up to 96 hours in aerobic conditions (such as kitchen surfaces), potentially increasing the risk of human exposure.
Lockdowns and restricted travel did not significantly alter the number or genetic distribution of human infections, suggesting that the primary infection route remains food prepared and consumed at home.
