February 5, 2013
The Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is announcing publication of their 10th National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) Retail Meat Annual Report on its website. The primary purpose of the NARMS retail meat surveillance program is to monitor antimicrobial resistance (AR) among foodborne Salmonella, Campylobacter, Enterococcus and E. coli in raw, unprocessed retail meats. Antimicrobial resistance among these organisms is influenced by the use of antimicrobial agents in food animals. These data, when combined with data from slaughter plants and on-farm studies, provide insights into the emergence and spread of AR in foodborne bacteria originating from food animals. A description of important observations and significant trends in 2011 is included in the report.
Questions about the 2011 NARMS Retail Meat Report should be directed to Emily Crarey, 301-210-4762, Emily.Crarey@fda.hhs.gov.