Antibiotic Resistance, Food, and Food-Producing Animals

Antibiotics are medicines that kill or stop the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics save lives, but any time antibiotics are used, they can contribute to the development and spread of antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria develop the ability to survive or grow despite being exposed to antibiotics designed to kill them. Antibiotic resistance spreads through people, animals, and the environment. Improving antibiotic use, including reducing unnecessary use, can help stop resistance from spreading.

Read on to learn what CDC is doing to help stop antibiotic-resistant infections from food and animals, and how you can protect yourself and your family.