中文From November 10 to 14, 2025, Scoping Antimicrobial Resistance at the Food: Environmental Interface, co-hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (RCEES, CAS), was successfully held in Hangzhou. The workshop brought together twenty-one experts from 14 countries. The participants focused on "antimicrobial resistance" – a crucial global issue, aiming to in-depth explore the complex interactions between the agrifood systems and environmental factors that drive the co-selection and spread of antimicrobial resistance genes in bacteria that contaminate foods.
“Antimicrobial resistance is a boundary-crossing issue that links our environment, our food, and our health,” said Professor Yong-Guan Zhu, Director General of the Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, CAS. “By fostering international collaboration and sharing knowledge, we can develop strategies that address antimicrobial resistance at its source.”
Dr. Jeffrey LeJeune, FAO Food Safety Officer, added, “Understanding co-selection of resistance in bacteria present in food and the food production environment requires science-based assessment which can inform policy and prioritize actions. This workshop reflects our collective commitment to safeguarding the future of food.”
During the workshop, the participants reviewed and evaluated the latest research and practical strategies for minimizing risks associated with antimicrobial co-selection. Discussions were focused on the interconnectedness of agricultural practices, food production, wastewater management, and environmental stewardship. Participants highlighted the urgent need for collaborative solutions to protect human health and ensure food safety worldwide.
The workshop received support from the Beijing Office of the People's Government of Zhejiang Province and the People's Government of Xiaoshan District, and was organized by the Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the Xiaoshan Association for Science and Technology, and the Xianghu Laboratory. It brought together global professional forces, including environmental scientists, engineers, microbiologists, chemists, food safety and agricultural experts, veterinarians, and risk assessment experts, to jointly address the challenge of antimicrobial resistance in the food and environmental fields, highlighting the importance of practicing the "One Health" concept.
Laboratory of Soil Environmental Science and Technology
Department of International Cooperation
November 14, 2025
