Investors step up calls to cut use of antibiotics in food chain

Investors representing over $13tn in combined assets have called for policymakers to reduce the excessive use of antibiotics in the food supply chain to curb the spread of drug-resistant “superbugs”. The World Health Organization predicts resistance to existing anti-microbials will claim up to 10 million lives annually by 2050, matching the toll caused by cancer. Investor Action on AMR (IAAMR) highlights the need for global cooperation, sustained funding, and innovative solutions to tackle the spread of superbugs. The UK’s special envoy on anti-microbial resistance, Dame Sally Davies, argues that policy from governments only takes so far and that investors and consumers have a significant role to play in balancing the long-term interests of society against short-term profit motives.