What does the presence of resistant genes in livestock indicate about food safety?

The presence of resistant genes in livestock is a significant concern regarding food safety because these genes can be transferred to humans through the consumption of animal products. When livestock are treated with antibiotics, resistant bacteria can develop and proliferate. This resistance can persist in the food supply, and when ingested, these resistant bacteria can lead to infections in humans that are difficult to treat due to their resilience against conventional antibiotics. Consequently, this scenario underscores the importance of monitoring and controlling antibiotic use in agriculture to protect public health.

In contrast, the other options do not adequately reflect the implications of antibiotic resistance in livestock. The notion that it is "generally safe" underestimates the potential health risks, while asserting it only affects animal health disregards the interconnectedness of human and animal health. Moreover, stating that it eliminates the need for testing neglects the necessity of being vigilant in recognizing and managing contamination risks in food sources.