New EFSA Report: Impact of Azole Fungicides on Aspergillus spp. Resistance

Following a notification from the Italian EFSA Focal Point, the EU FOOD SAFETY PLATFORM is pleased to share this important update, which supports science and the agri-food sector in advancing the transition based on One Health approach.

On January 30, 2024, EFSA published a comprehensive scientific report on the impact of azole fungicides—excluding those used in human medicine—on the development of Aspergillus spp. resistance to azoles. This report, produced in collaboration with ECDC, ECHA, EEA, EMA, and supported by the JRC, is accompanied by an official statement on the EFSA portal:
“One Health: EU Agencies United to Tackle Azole Fungicide Resistance in Aspergillus“

Key Findings

– Extensive use of azole fungicides, particularly in agricultural and horticultural practices, may increase the risk of antifungal resistance in Aspergillus, thus affecting public health.

– For the first time, five EU health and environmental agencies have jointly assessed how azole substances used outside human medicine may influence public health.

A One Health Approach to Resistance Prevention

This initiative brought together leading EU experts in human and veterinary medicine, agriculture, and environmental sciences to:
✔ Review existing scientific evidence on azole resistance.
✔ Identify key factors driving resistance emergence.
✔ Propose measures to prevent and control its spread.

The findings highlight the need to support the coordinated One Health strategy to mitigate the risks associated with azole fungicide resistance and ensure sustainable agricultural and public health policies.

Read the full EFSA report here!

Image from EFSA: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/one-health-eu-agencies-unite-tackle-azole-fungicide-resistance-aspergillus-fungi