Sales of antibiotics for livestock up 23% from 2009 to 2014

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.