Karmactive Staff
Australian pesticide regulators have proposed suspending certain dimethoate products used on berries, following significant changes in how much we’re eating these fruits. The move aims to protect consumer health while balancing grower concerns about pest management.
What’s Changing in Your Berry Patch?
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) announced on August 5, 2025, a proposed suspension of dimethoate product registrations and label approvals specifically for blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. This action comes after APVMA, citing Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) consumption data, reported berry intake rose from about 611 grams (2017 assessment) to approximately 1.3 kg per person per year (excluding strawberries).
“I certainly wouldn’t suggest that anyone needs to avoid eating berries,” said Dr. Sheila Logan, APVMA’s executive director of risk assessment capability, emphasizing that current residue levels are “unlikely to pose a serious risk to human health” but that safety margins need to be reconsidered as a precautionary measure.
The Science Behind the Decision
The core issue isn’t just dimethoate itself, but what happens after it’s applied. When sprayed on crops, dimethoate can oxidize to omethoate – its oxygen analogue metabolite.
Omethoate, the oxygen analogue of dimethoate, is considerably more toxic than its parent compound. It works by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme essential for proper nervous system function. Omethoate is more toxic than dimethoate in mammals and a stronger acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, with several-fold higher potency depending on the endpoint (often around 3–7× in regulatory assessments).
With Australians eating substantially more berries than previously calculated, the APVMA’s reassessment found that following current label directions “does not leave an adequate safety-margin” between potential dimethoate residues and maximum acceptable exposure levels.
What This Means for Growers
If the proposed suspension proceeds, a deemed permit valid for one year would automatically take effect. This permit would allow continued dimethoate use on these berries but would require a 14-day harvest withholding period – meaning growers would need to wait two weeks after spraying before picking their crop.
This extended waiting period has berry growers concerned. Anthony Poiner, chair of Berries Australia, points out that the 14-day restriction would effectively eliminate dimethoate use on these crops.
“Berries are picked every two to seven days, so if you spray one day and have to wait 14 days, all the berries have gone overripe and are no longer usable,” explained Poiner, chair of Berries Australia.
The timing is particularly challenging for an industry fighting Queensland fruit fly, a pest that costs Australian growers at least $300 million annually in control measures and trade restrictions. Poiner argues dimethoate is the most effective tool against Queensland fruit fly in berries.
International Context
Australia’s proposed action aligns with increasing global scrutiny of dimethoate. The European Union did not renew dimethoate’s approval in 2019, effectively removing it from the market. The U.S. EPA previously classified dimethoate as a possible human carcinogen (Group C), though its current IRIS database entry does not include an updated cancer descriptor.
The APVMA previously restricted dimethoate use as a post-harvest dip for tropical and subtropical fruits like avocados and mangoes after detecting elevated residue levels.
Consumer Guidance
For berry lovers wondering about their fruit bowls, the APVMA emphasizes that current residue levels are unlikely to pose serious health risks. The proposed action is precautionary rather than responsive to an immediate danger.
Food safety experts recommend adopting safe handling practices at home and eating a diverse range of fruits. These simple steps can help reduce potential pesticide exposure while still enjoying the nutritional benefits berries provide.
What Happens Next?
The APVMA has opened a 20-day consultation period, inviting dimethoate registration holders, relevant stakeholders, and the public to comment on the proposed suspension by September 2, 2025. During this time, existing dimethoate products can still be used according to current label instructions.
The final regulatory decision will consider all submissions received during the consultation period, balancing consumer safety with agricultural production needs.
The Berry Bottom Line
The proposed suspension reflects the delicate balance regulators must maintain between protecting public health and supporting agricultural productivity. While berry consumption has surged – suggesting these fruits have become an increasingly important part of Australian diets – ensuring their safety remains paramount.
Meanwhile, the berry industry faces the challenge of potentially losing a key pest management tool while seeking viable alternatives to protect their crops.
The APVMA proposal, industry concerns, and consumer safety information were summarized above; the consultation closes on September 2, 2025.
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