Intensive pig farming involves raising a large number of animals in enclosed and controlled facilities to maximize efficiency and reduce costs. However, this method has raised concerns regarding animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and the excessive use of antibiotics. This study involved a bibliographic review to gather evidence on the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in vegetables intended for human consumption that were fertilized with organic amendments derived from pig manure, with a focus on food safety.

We analyzed various scientific articles to assess the prevalence of ARGs in fifteen types of vegetables. These genes were categorized by the antibiotic families that they resist and the mechanisms involved. The analysis revealed that Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis and Allium tuberosum had a higher abundance of resistance genes related to various antibiotic families, identifying a total of seven. Specifically, the genes were primarily associated with tetracyclines, sulfonamides, chloramphenicols, aminoglycosides, and beta-lactams. The predominant resistance mechanism was efflux pumps.

These findings suggest that consuming vegetables fertilized with pig manure could potentially spread antimicrobial resistance genes, posing a risk to consumer health. Therefore, it is essential to implement proper management and treatment practices for organic amendments used in agriculture and regulate the overuse of antibiotics in the animal industry. Such measures will help prevent the transmission of antimicrobial resistance genes and improve food safety.