Federal appeals court reverses decision ordering hearings on antibiotics in livestock

A federal appeals court in New York has thrown out a decision ordering the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to hold public hearings on the widespread use of antibiotics in livestock.

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued the ruling Thursday.

It reversed a decision in 2012 by a district court that sided with several health and consumer organizations.

The health groups want the FDA to withdraw approval of using penicillin and tetracycline in animal feed. They say the practice can promote the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The appeals court found that the FDA isn't required to hold the hearings because it's made no official finding that the antibiotics pose a health risk.