EPA urged to ban spraying of antibiotics on US food crops amid resistance fears

A coalition of public health and farm worker groups is urging the EPA to ban the spraying of antibiotics on US food crops. They filed a legal petition citing concerns that the practice, involving approximately 8 million pounds of antibiotic and antifungal pesticides annually, contributes to the rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs. The CDC has linked some antibiotics approved for pesticide use to increased risks of staph infections and MRSA. Documents show that the CDC has previously raised concerns about the risks of expanding antibiotic use on crops. The groups also highlight potential harm to farm workers, disruption of the human gut microbiome, water pollution, and harm to pollinators. The agricultural industry uses these antibiotics to protect crops from damaging bacteria.

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