ÖKO-TEST Finds Resistant Bacteria in Over Half of Chicken Breasts Sold in Germany

Overview

• Laboratory testing of 23 fresh chicken-breast products found 14 contaminated with antibiotic‑resistant bacteria, with only nine samples free of notable resistant germs.
• Five supermarket items were rated "concerning," including products from Aldi (Meine Metzgerei), Kaufland (K-Purland), Norma (Gut Langenhof), Netto (Gut Ponholz) and Edeka (Gut & Günstig).
• Detected strains included ESBL- and AmpC-producing E. coli and MRSA, which can limit treatment options and, in some cases, require reserve antibiotics.
• Organic lines were not immune, as only five of twelve organic samples were free of notable resistant bacteria, with suppliers and experts pointing to potential transfer during slaughter.
• Germany’s consumer protection authority called the findings worrying yet noted transmission via properly cooked meat is very unlikely, with experts urging strict kitchen hygiene and thorough cooking.