Antibiotics are used in growing organic apples and pears? And, over 80% of antibiotics used in the U.S. are currently used in agriculture?

A joint statement of Consumers Union, Food & Water Watch and The Center for Food Safety.

Portland, Ore.—Today the National Organic Standards Board NOSB rejected a petition to extend the expiration date for the use of oxytetracycline to treat fire blight in apple and pear production beyond October 21, 2014. The decision is a victory for the organic standard and advances efforts to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics.

The vote came after a long and controversial debate because some apple and pear growers do not believe they have adequate alternatives to antibiotics. Consumer and environmental advocates urged them to end the use of tetracycline as soon as possible in order to meet consumer expectations and to respond to mounting evidence that antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a serious threat to public health. Antibiotics are not allowed in any other types of organic food, including production of organic livestock.

read more via National Organic Standards Board Decision a Victory for Organics, Preservation of Antibiotics | Food & Water Watch