A strain of the MRSA superbug has been found in pork being sold at two UK supermarkets.
British-produced minced pork on sale at Asda and Sainsbury’s was found to be contaminated with the bacteria, according to a University of Cambridge study.
The strain, which can cause serious illness and potentially death, is rife on Danish farms but has reportedly not been found in British pork before.
It is most commonly passed on between live animals but poor hygiene practices or undercooked meat can see it passed on to humans.
A spokeswoman for the study, Emma Rose, said scientists are now concerned about the possibility of a “pandemic spread in the human population”.
“This form of MRSA is able to cause serious and potentially fatal infections in humans, and as the bacteria is resistant to antibiotics, it is extremely difficult to treat,” she said. “What's more, even more dangerous variations are emerging as the superbug evolves.”
Out of 97 pork products tested, two from Asda and one from Sainsbury’s were contaminated with the bug.
A Sainsbury's spokesman said the strain found in the tests was “very uncommon” and that it was working with farmers “to ensure antibiotics are used responsibly and are taking advice from leading industry experts”.
An Asda spokesman told the Daily Mail: “Our customers can be assured that we are working closely with industry groups and farmers to make sure that antibiotics are used responsibly in farm animals. We are doing all we can to promote good animal health and welfare conditions without relying on antibiotics.”
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