Forget cancer, this is the most common cause of death

The most important part of EU efforts to address this problem is the ban on irresponsible use of antibiotics.

Overuse of antibiotics accelerates the development of resistant bacteria and reduces the effectiveness of drugs, which experts say threatens the basics of the medical system.

The European consumer organisation estimates that the problem of resistance to antibiotics is rapidly increasing that even common infections can become lethal in the next 20 years.

This organization has stated that such therapies as stem cell transplantation, marrow transplantation, chemotherapy, and other treatments that weaken the immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis, will be impossible without antibiotics.

Using antiobic drugs, including antibiotics, on animal farms is one of the main causes of increased resistance.

Animals are often given antibiotics for preventive reasons, not because they are sick.

European Consumers Organisation Director Monica Gojens said that if it continues with harmful practices, resistance to antibiotics will soon reach the point of no return.

Despite greater awareness of health risks, it is estimated that by 2020-2030 the production of these animal drugs will increase by 67 percent.

The European consumer organisation in 2013/14 conducted research in nine European countries Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

It found that up to 70 percent of meat - products samples are contaminated with antibiotics - resistant bacteria. Some types of bacteria found in samples were resistant to certain drugs.

The EU in June 2017 adopted an action plan to combat anti-commercial resistance, which aims to collect data and place “measurable targets” to reduce the presence of resistant bacteria in livestock and ensure the most efficient use of antibiotics in humans.

In addition to the health implications of mass resistance to antibiotics, experts predict that if this problem is not addressed, it will cost the world economy a financial situation similar to that of 2008.