New global guidance aims to curb antibiotic pollution from manufacturing

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first-ever guidance on antibiotic pollution from manufacturing, highlighting the importance of wastewater and solid waste management in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The issue is largely unregulated, and quality assurance criteria often do not address environmental emissions. The lack of information on disposing of antibiotics after expiration or when a course is finished leaves consumers without knowledge on how to dispose of them. The guidance provides an independent and impartial scientific basis for regulators, procurers, inspectors, and industry to include robust antibiotic pollution control in their standards. The guidance was developed in collaboration with international experts and public consultation, and covers all steps from manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients to primary packaging. AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to medicines, increasing the risk of infections and illness.