German environmental campaigners have found a worrying level of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in spot tests conducted on meat from supermarkets. The campaigners, from Bund (Friends of the Earth Germany) have linked their findings to the over-use of antibiotics in farming and claim this misuse of vital drugs is posing a real threat to human health.

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Of 20 samples of fresh chicken meat bought in five German cities, 12 were found to contain antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Bund researchers bought chicken at various supermarkets in Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Nuremberg and Stuttgart then sent it for testing. Ten samples were found to be contaminated with microbes which produce ESBL (Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase) enzymes, while two contained MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

Both types of bacteria can be deadly for people vulnerable to infection and both are resistant to many widely used antibiotics. The researchers claimed the development of resistant bacteria has been spurred on by excessive and improper use of antibiotics in intensive farming. In a statement released after the investigation, Bund said four Stolle brand, three Wiesenhof brand and three Sprehe brand chicken samples were contaminated with ESBL-producing bacteria, whilst one Sprehe sample and one Stolle sample were contaminated with MRSA.

The campaigners have used their results to push for increased restrictions on the prophylactic use of antibiotics in farming. The group claims that the unnecessary overuse of such medicines risks increasing the number of resistant bacteria and rendering the limited antimicrobials available to medical doctors and veterinarians obsolete. A study conducted last year in Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia state showed that 96 per cent of the 10 million birds on the state's farms had received antibiotic treatment.

German agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner told the German press on Monday that she intends to take action in the cabinet this week, by drafting a law which would drastically reduce the use of antibiotics in animal farming. Across the EU, following the European Commission's 12 point plan against antimicrobial resistance, unveiled in November last year, governments have pledged to reduce the use of antibiotics to absolutely necessary circumstances. However, the industry carries a lot of weight and is fighting tooth and claw to continue supplying antibiotics.

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