Literature Review and Development of Decision Tree to Support Evaluation of AMR Genes

Tender description

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) require a Supplier to carry out a literature review of the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in bacteria used as feed additives, and to develop a decision tree to help support the evaluation of potential AMR genes in applications for animal trials of feed additives. Lot 1: Antimicrobial resistance is considered to be one of the top global public health threats. Globally, it is recognised that a reduction in the use of antimicrobials in livestock is important to reduce the risk of AMR, and this has led to increasing interest in the development of alternative growth promotors for use in livestock production, including probiotic feed additives. Efficacy trials of new feed additives are required to produce the data required to apply for authorisation for a product to enter the market. These trials may only take place in Scotland when authorised by Scottish Ministers. FSS is responsible for evaluating the safety data provided by the applicant to allow a recommendation to be made to Ministers. The current evaluation approach for animal trial applications for unauthorised additives is based on EFSA guidance for applications for authorisation for a product to enter the market. It is important that a feed additive trial does not become a source of AMR genes into the environment, but that the consideration of the risk is proportionate and informed by the best understanding of the risk posed by the genetic profile. The aim of this project is, therefore, to better understand the significance of known or putative AMR genes detected in the molecular characterisation of a probiotic feed additive. It requires the production of a decision tree support the evaluation of potential AMR genes and a supporting literature review.