Evaluation of phenotypic resistance profiles of bacteria isolated from commonly consumed foods

Abstract

This study investigated antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Enterobacterales isolated from retail foods in Iași County, Romania. A total of 156 samples (ready-to-eat salads, ground beef, and fresh cow cheese) were analyzed, revealing high resistance rates to beta-lactams across all products (36.8–73.8%), with fresh cheese showing the highest prevalence. Multidrug-resistant profiles were frequently observed, particularly in cheese and ground beef, likely reflecting the use of antibiotics in veterinary practices. Ready-to-eat salads also exhibited notable resistance, suggesting possible environmental contamination pathways. Importantly, lastresort antibiotics such as carbapenems remained highly effective (97–100% susceptibility). These findings highlight retail foods as significant reservoirs of AMR and emphasize the need for integrated surveillance and stricter antibiotic stewardship throughout the food production chain to mitigate public health risks.