Lawsuit Challenges EPA Over Antibiotic Spraying on U.S. Crops

Public health and farmworker advocacy groups have petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to halt the use of antibiotics and antifungal chemicals on U.S. food crops, arguing the practice fuels dangerous superbugs and harms workers. Roughly 8 million pounds of these substances—many banned abroad—are applied each year. Critics warn that using medically important antibiotics as pesticides accelerates antimicrobial resistance, contributing to infections that sicken millions and kill tens of thousands annually.

Advocates cite CDC findings linking crop-approved antibiotics to resistant bacteria, MRSA risks, and microbiome disruption from residue on food. Farmworkers, especially low-income and Latino communities, face heightened exposure. Commonly used agents like streptomycin, also a clinical drug, are sprayed widely.

While growers rely on antibiotics to combat diseases like citrus greening, experts argue that alternatives such as wider plant spacing, resistant crop varieties, and rapid removal of infected trees are safer long-term solutions. The EPA has up to five years to respond to the petition.

03-12-2025