Health authorities have issued a precautionary alert regarding a common pesticide used on popular berries, prompting fresh concerns about food safety standards.
What triggered the safety review?
Australia's pesticide regulator has suspended use of dimethoate on blueberries, raspberries and blackberries for one year. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) announced this decision on Friday 14 November 2025, though importantly, this action wasn't driven by new findings about the chemical itself.
The suspension comes as a direct response to changing dietary patterns. Berry consumption has skyrocketed by 285-962% since the APVMA last assessed dimethoate in 2017. This dramatic increase means potential exposure levels, particularly for young children, have risen significantly.
Understanding dimethoate risks
Dimethoate belongs to a class of pesticides that work by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme crucial for nervous system function in insects. While effective against pests, this mechanism also affects mammals, including humans, making careful regulation essential.
The acute reference dose (ARfD) for dimethoate exposure is set at 0.02 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. This safety limit includes a ten-fold safety buffer, meaning the maximum permitted exposure is ten times lower than the lowest dose showing no effects.
Current trace levels detected on berries measure approximately 0.0033 micrograms per kilogram of body weight daily for toddlers. While these levels are unlikely to pose serious health risks according to regulators, children aged two to six years might potentially exceed maximum limits due to higher berry consumption relative to their body weight.
Practical safety measures for consumers
Nutrition experts emphasise that berries remain an important part of a balanced diet and there's no need to eliminate them. The APVMA stresses that the risk of actual harm remains low, with the suspension representing a precautionary approach.
Thorough washing of berries provides significant protection. While washing won't remove all pesticide residues, it substantially reduces levels while also addressing other concerns like soil contamination and harmful microorganisms.
Families can continue enjoying berries confidently by implementing simple food preparation practices. The regulatory action demonstrates that food safety systems are working proactively to protect public health as consumption patterns evolve.
