Australia's agricultural chemicals regulator has proposed suspending the use of dimethoate on blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries after high residues were detected in supermarket fruit.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) said it would act immediately if there were evidence of imminent risk to the community. The review follows testing by Kirsten Benkendorff, professor of marine science at Southern Cross University, who examined blueberries and raspberries purchased from supermarkets in New South Wales in November 2024.
Her laboratory tests found high levels of dimethoate, a neurotoxin and possible human carcinogen according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The chemical, in use since the 1950s, is permitted in Australia but was banned in the European Union in 2019 after the European Food Safety Authority concluded it posed risks to consumers and workers.
All of Benkendorff's samples contained between four and 11 pesticides, generally below recommended limits. Three blueberry samples contained dimethoate levels high enough to exceed the acceptable daily intake if consumed regularly. Low levels of thiometon, banned in Australia since 2001, were also detected in six of 11 blueberry samples and in all raspberry samples. Benkendorff said its presence likely comes as a contaminant in other crop inputs.
The APVMA said its approvals for dimethoate in 2017 were based on available data at that time. Updated berry consumption figures received in February 2025 showed increases of 285–962% compared with 1995. In March, the authority initiated a review of dimethoate, which led to the proposed suspension of certain dimethoate products for use on berries. The APVMA said residues are unlikely to cause harm, but the suspension is proposed as a precaution. It added that all other approved uses of dimethoate remain safe.
Benkendorff expressed concern over pesticide regulation. "When you look at the maximum residue limits for a lot of pesticides set by the APVMA, it's actually higher in berries than in other foods, and people's kids are eating punnets at a time, my colleagues are eating six punnets a week," she said.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand recommends washing or peeling produce, choosing organic or low-residue options, and varying diet to limit exposure. Organic samples tested by Benkendorff also contained pesticide residues, though at lower levels.
According to the U.S. Environmental Working Group's 2025 Dirty Dozen list, blueberries rank at number 11, with spinach, strawberries, kale, grapes, and peaches among the most pesticide-intensive crops.
Source: SBS News