Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has implemented new regulatory requirements. Specifically, these modifications aim to address the use of dimethoate—an insecticide that is frequently used to protect berries from fruit fly damage. These regulations come in response to growing concerns about the potential health risks associated with dimethoate residues found on berries, particularly for young children. Now APVMA has concluded that existing usage instructions may not be sufficient to safeguard human safety. This has prompted them to reassess the withholding periods for harvest workers in strawberries.
Dimethoate has faced scrutiny not only in Australia but globally, as experts and regulatory bodies assess its environmental impacts and health risks. The APVMA’s executive director, Maria Trainer, explained that dimethoate products no longer comply with accepted safety standards. This recent development is cause for concern, especially when it comes to the health of children who are more susceptible to pesticide exposure.
New Findings on Dimethoate Residues
Recent evaluations found that dimethoate residues on blueberries remained alarmingly elevated six days post-application. This presents a dangerous hazard for children who consume these fruits. What’s more, equivalent residue levels on raspberries and blackberries exceeded acceptable limits when these crops were harvested within a week of a spraying.
“Consumption of blueberries treated with dimethoate when used in conjunction with a one-day harvest withholding period would exceed the acute reference dose in children.” – Maria Trainer
Prior to the APVMA’s intervention, blueberries had a one-day withholding period. By comparison, raspberries and blackberries only had a seven-day grace period. The newly implemented 14-day withholding period increases safety margins for these berries. We are disappointed that it completely fumbles on the outcome side of the statutory safety criteria.
Industry Response and Changes
Anthony Poiner, chairperson of Berries Australia, praised the APVMA’s reforms. This can be seen in efforts within the berry industry to adopt integrated pest management strategies. These strategies include biological controls like predatory mites and insects as well as innovative farming practices that reduce the need for chemicals.
“Integrated Pest Management incorporates biological controls, protected cropping through nets, and innovative farming practices, using chemical pesticides only as a last resort, to ensure the quality of berries sent to market.” – Anthony Poiner
The berry industry is taking great strides to implement practices to meet the standards of the new regulations. They want to increase the safety and sustainability of berry production.
Broader Context and International Comparisons
The APVMA’s regulatory decisions show a clear dedication to strong, science-based and independent assessment of pesticide use. Additionally, an APVMA spokesperson explained that their decisions are guided by international regulations — such as those from the European Union. They reconsider each case on its own to keep it relevant in the Australian context.
Matt Landos, adjunct associate professor at the University of Queensland, is concerned about how quickly these changes might occur. He noted it has been ten months since the APVMA finally agreed that dimethoate poses too many risks. This is a striking contrast to more than five years ago, when the European Union adopted a strong decision to ban the chemical because of safety risks.
“Ten months is concerning, but it’s more than five years since the European Union saw enough of a safety risk and had enough data to require dimethoate’s removal.” – Matt Landos
