The College of Agricultural Engineers of Central Spain and the Canary Islands stated this Monday that there is no direct risk whatsoever to food safety or consumer safety derived from the use of reclaimed water for agriculture.
In a statement, the collegiate entity has called for calm following the publication of a study regarding the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in reclaimed water used for agricultural irrigation in the Canary Islands, thus conveying a message of tranquility and responsibility.
Firstly, it highlighted that it is important to emphasize that the study on which this information is based identifies the presence of certain microorganisms in reclaimed water, but it does not in any case demonstrate a direct risk to food safety or consumer health.
The use of reclaimed water in agriculture is regulated by current European legislation, which establishes strict quality and control criteria and, in this regard, it adds, the study itself recognizes that the required parameters, such as Escherichia coli levels, are met within the established limits.
Likewise, the scientific work points to the need to continue advancing in the improvement of water control and management systems, especially in aspects such as storage and monitoring, issues that are part of the continuous improvement of the system and not of a generalized insecurity situation.
Agricultural engineers emphasize that the use of reclaimed water is an essential tool to guarantee water sustainability in territories with scarce resources such as the Canary Islands.
The College also points out that farmers and technicians apply safety protocols and good practices that minimize any risk and adds that the problem of antibiotic resistance is a global challenge, whose main origin is found in areas such as health and urban use, not in agricultural activity.
It reiterates its commitment to safe, sustainable agriculture based on scientific knowledge, and considers it fundamental that the communication of this type of study be carried out with due rigor, avoiding generating unjustified alarms that could affect confidence in the agricultural sector.
Finally, it expresses its support for all initiatives aimed at improving the monitoring and management of reclaimed water, always from a technical, proportional, and evidence-based approach.
