Australia Pauses Use of Common Berry Pesticide Amid Rising Consumption
Australia has temporarily suspended the use of dimethoate, a widely used pesticide on blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, due to increasing consumption rates. The decision, made by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), isn’t based on new safety concerns about the chemical itself, but rather on the potential for increased dietary exposure, particularly for young children.
What is Dimethoate?
Dimethoate is an insecticide that has been used in Australia since 1956 to control fruit fly and other pests on various crops. It works by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme crucial for the function of the nervous system in insects, ultimately leading to their paralysis and death. However, mammals, including humans, similarly possess this enzyme, meaning exposure to dimethoate can be harmful and requires careful regulation of both its application and residue levels in food .
Why the Suspension?
The APVMA’s decision stems from a significant increase in berry consumption in Australia. Consumption of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries has risen substantially since the safety levels were last reviewed in 2017, increasing by 285–962% . This increased intake means that even current trace levels of dimethoate on berries could potentially lead to some children aged two to six exceeding acceptable daily exposure limits.
What are the Acceptable Limits?
The APVMA has established an acute reference dose (ARfD) for dimethoate exposure, set at 0.02 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. This limit incorporates a ten-fold safety factor, meaning it is ten times lower than the lowest dose shown to have no adverse effects. The current ARfD is consistent with limits set by the World Health Organization and Canadian regulations, and is lower than those established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency .
Are Berries Still Safe to Eat?
The APVMA emphasizes that berries remain safe to eat. The agency states that the levels of residues detected are unlikely to pose a serious risk to human health, but the suspension is a precautionary measure to re-establish a safety margin .
What Can Consumers Do?
Washing berries is a simple step that can help reduce residue levels. While washing won’t eliminate all traces of dimethoate, it can substantially lower the amount present . Continuing to wash fruits and vegetables is a good practice for removing soil and potential microorganisms.
What’s Next?
Manufacturers of dimethoate products have one year to adjust their labels to reflect the APVMA’s decision . The APVMA will continue to monitor the situation and reassess the safety of dimethoate as needed.