Sales of antibiotics for livestock increased 23 percent from 2009 to 2014, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Tom Polansek reports for Reuters. Last year sales increased by 3 percent. "Public health advocates, along with some lawmakers and scientists, have criticized the long-standing practice of using antibiotics in livestock, arguing that it is fueling the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Agribusinesses defend the practice as necessary to help keep cattle, pigs and chickens healthy and to increase production of meat for U.S. consumers."
A study released last month said antibiotic use in animal feed is leading to increased rates of life-threatening infections among children. While many major corporations have said they will phase out antibiotic use in animals raised for food, a September environmental report said most of the top 25 fast food chains have poor policies about antibiotics, with 20 receiving a grade of F.
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