APVMA Suspends Dimethoate Use on Select Berries Amid Updated Exposure Assessment

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority has announced the suspension of product registrations and label approvals for dimethoate used on blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. This decision follows a one-month public consultation earlier in the year and is based on new dietary consumption data provided by Food Standards Australia New Zealand. The updated analysis revealed that Australians now consume significantly more of these berries compared with levels recorded during the last dimethoate reassessment.

Using the revised intake figures, the authority conducted a fresh evaluation of potential dietary exposure and concluded that the safety margin between expected residue levels and acceptable exposure limits is insufficient when the pesticide is applied according to current label directions. Although the regulator emphasized that the detected residues are unlikely to pose a severe risk to human health, the suspension was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure consumer protection.

All three berries remain safe to eat, and dimethoate continues to be considered safe for other approved uses. During the suspension period, growers may still use dimethoate on these berries under a temporary permit that requires a strict fourteen-day pre-harvest interval. Manufacturers holding dimethoate registrations may apply to amend their product labels either by adding the extended interval or removing berry uses entirely. Once updated, affected products will no longer fall under the suspension.