FUTURE PERSPECTIVES AND RESEARCH DIRECTIONS

The challenges posed by ARs in food systems, particularly in fermentation-based products, necessitate innovative, multidisciplinary, and scalable solutions. Although several mitigation strategies have been proposed, their feasibility, accessibility, and long-term sustainability remain uncertain, particularly across diverse economic and regulatory settings [12, 31]. To address these limitations, future research and policy initiatives should adopt a structured roadmap encompassing short-, medium-, and long-term priorities while explicitly addressing critical knowledge gaps and technological barriers.

Short-term priorities: Improving detection and surveillance

In the short-term, strengthening detection and monitoring systems remains a major priority. Advanced analytical technologies such as LC-MS, HRMS, and biosensor platforms offer high sensitivity and specificity for AR detection [19, 21]. However, their widespread implementation is constrained by high costs and technical complexity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries [11, 45].

Future efforts should therefore focus on the development of miniaturized, cost-effective, and user-friendly detection technologies, including portable biosensors and rapid diagnostic kits suitable for field applications. In addition, strengthening surveillance infrastructure and promoting harmonized sampling protocols will be essential for improving the reliability and comparability of monitoring programs.

Medium-term priorities: Technological and biological innovations

At the processing level, one promising approach is the development of residue-tolerant or robust starter cultures capable of maintaining fermentation performance in the presence of low concentrations of ARs [12, 31]. Nevertheless, this strategy requires careful evaluation because it may contribute to the selection or dissemination of AMR genes within fermentation ecosystems. Therefore, comprehensive risk assessments involving genomic and phenotypic analyses are essential before large-scale implementation.

Alternative approaches, including probiotics, prebiotics, and phytogenic compounds, have shown promise for reducing antibiotic use at the production stage [6, 12]. However, their scalability, long-term efficacy, and regulatory acceptance remain inadequately characterized, highlighting the need for longitudinal studies and validation across multiple production systems.

Long-term priorities: Integration of emerging technologies

In the long-term, emerging technologies are expected to revolutionize AR monitoring and control. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning approaches can be incorporated into predictive models for contamination risk assessment and fermentation process monitoring. Likewise, metagenomic approaches offer powerful tools for characterizing microbial communities and tracking the resistome in fermented food systems, thereby providing deeper insights into AR–microbiome interactions.

Furthermore, nanotechnology-based biosensors and CRISPR-based detection systems represent promising innovations for the ultrasensitive and rapid detection of ARs. However, successful adoption of these technologies will require standardization, validation, and cost reduction to ensure accessibility across diverse production systems.

Regulatory harmonization and global governance

Regulatory inconsistencies remain a major obstacle to effective AR control. MRLs vary considerably among countries, creating challenges for international trade and food safety enforcement [1, 4]. Future efforts should prioritize the harmonization of international standards under frameworks such as Codex Alimentarius, accompanied by improved data sharing and coordinated surveillance systems.

Strengthening regulatory capacity in resource-limited settings is particularly important for achieving global consistency. Enhanced international cooperation among governments, scientific institutions, and regulatory agencies will be essential for establishing effective and sustainable control measures.

Consumer engagement and market transformation

Consumer awareness and behavior are expected to play increasingly important roles in shaping future food systems. As awareness of AMR continues to increase, consumer demand for antibiotic-free products is likely to expand [1, 11]. Future communication strategies should extend beyond health-related concerns and also emphasize technological implications, including fermentation failure and deterioration of product quality, to improve consumer understanding and engagement.

In addition, transparent labeling systems and certification programs may promote market transformation by encouraging producers to adopt safer and more sustainable practices.