Antibiotics & Health

Global awareness around the need to address inappropriate antimicrobial use in animal agriculture is increasing. Phase 2 of FAIRR's Restaurant Antibiotics engagement aims to support the adoption and implementation of robust company-wide antibiotic policies in the supply chains of 12 of the largest North American quick-service restaurant companies.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognised by investors as a risk to global health and economic stability.  

Co-developed by MSCI Sustainability Institute, IAAMR and FAIRR, the guide explores strategies that investors can implement to address AMR. It provides an analysis of the economic impacts, risks and opportunities associated with AMR as well as case studies demonstrating how investors are taking action. 

This research overview provides key scientific insights into the environmental and social impacts of different protein sources, clarifies common assumptions about their health effects, and identifies trends, risks and opportunities for investors with exposure to the protein supply chain.

In May 2023, FAIRR launched two engagements; Animal Pharmaceuticals (Phase 2) and Restaurant Antibiotics (Phase 1). The engagements aim to improve transparency around how companies operating at different stages of the protein value chain are working to ensure responsible antibiotic use at the farm level.   

The report highlights key findings, provides company-specific examples, and explains how companies could improve disclosure to demonstrate that they are addressing the systemic risk of AMR. 

The IAAMR statement has closed for sign-on which highlights investor concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance as a systemic risk to investment portfolios, economic stability and to broader society. The statement outlines seven key asks of global policymakers to consider ahead of the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR on 26 September.

Antibiotic use in animal agriculture varies widely by factors such as species, geography, and farm type. FAIRR has published species-specific factsheets that look at antibiotic use in intensive livestock farming to provide investors with an informative and easily digestible insight into variations in antibiotic use across species. Additionally, FAIRR has also published sector-specific questions on antibiotics and AMR to support investors when engaging companies on this topic.

In May 2022, FAIRR launched a collaborative investor engagement focused on 7 global publicly-listed animal pharmaceutical companies and is supported by 65 investors representing over $17 trillion in combined assets. The aim is to drive greater disclosure and clarity over how – and if – animal pharmaceutical companies are addressing the risk of AMR throughout their value chains, from factory to farm.

To view the progress achieved in the last year, download our latest report which discusses company efforts across manufacturing, labelling, marketing and sales practices.

The objective of this engagement is to facilitate communication between investors and the quick-service restaurant sector to improve disclosure around how companies are mitigating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) risk in their animal protein supply chains. This engagement will ask companies to (i) demonstrate sufficient rigour and scope of existing policies, (ii) develop antibiotic policies to cover all key proteins, (iii) provide evidence of implementation through target setting and auditing.

The objective of this engagement is to facilitate communication between investors and the animal pharmaceutical sector and drive greater disclosure and clarity over how – and if – animal pharmaceutical companies are addressing the risk of AMR throughout their value chain, from factory to farm. It also seeks to explore some of the key actions the companies must take to future-proof the long-term sustainability of their antibiotic portfolios, capitalise on the growing demand for alternatives to antibiotics, and reduce the spread of AMR.