The recent Australian blueberry, raspberry and blackberry consumption spike has sent people into a tizzy. Consumers are justifiably concerned about unnecessary pesticide use on their favorite fruits. As we noted last week, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has just released its annual ‘Dirty Dozen’ list. This ranking helps outline the fruits and vegetables that are most likely to have pesticide residue. Now Australian authorities are on the move. Specifically, they’re examining the use of dimethoate—one of the country’s most widely used neurotoxin pesticides, which has been federally approved in the country since the 1950s.
A recent study released in 2024 confirmed that washing or peeling fruits and vegetables removes almost all pesticide residues. This approach is far superior to just washing. This alarming discovery calls into question the safety of consuming unpeeled produce items such as berries. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) establishes maximum chemical residues for ag pesticides. Sometimes, they go above and beyond by incorporating safety margins meant to safeguard public health. The EWG’s latest findings and increased consumer demand have prompted a closer examination of dimethoate’s implications for public health.
Recent data showed shocking consumption growth rates for blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, from 285% to 962%. The APVMA was able to use new berry consumption figures, the first since 1995. In 2007, Australian scientist Kirsten Benkendorff performed research that detected high levels of dimethoate in commercially available berries. This revelation has shaken up the industry to create some of the most progressive changes. Her research discovered that three of the samples were above daily acceptable intake levels, assuming they were consumed every day on a regular basis.
The APVMA has resolved to act on these findings accordingly. They suggested banning the use of dimethoate on moat fruits including blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. This decision is a win for people who have been increasingly concerned about pesticide exposure and its harmful effects on human health. In early 2025, the EWG ranked blueberries at number 11 on its Dirty Dozen list. This further emphasizes the need to be intentional around the foods you eat.
“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,” – Kirsten Benkendorff
Benkendorff’s concerns extend beyond just berry consumption. She highlighted the need for independent testing conducting chemical analysis when pesticides are registered in Australia. “When pesticides are first registered in Australia, the company has to provide a chemical analysis, but it’s not independently tested,” she stated. This points to a serious regulatory gap that harms consumer safety.
Though pesticides can still be found on organic fruits and vegetables, the amount is much less than their non organic counterparts. The Australian agricultural industry takes a big hit from pests like Aphids, fruit flies and Weevils which farmers combat with pesticides. As consumers increasingly prioritize their health, they want to know more about how and when pesticides are used on fresh fruits and vegetables.
“If the industry wants to use pesticides, it should be demonstrating that food is clean or giving information on which pesticides are problematic,” – Kirsten Benkendorff
Benkendorff’s research specifically targeted berry safety. “I was just really interested to see if it was getting into our food,” she remarked. Her results indicate that washing may not do enough to minimize pesticide residues. It’s because berries have a semi-permeable skin and all those chemicals get in. Washing is very helpful, and it’s important for the public to know my tests were done on washed berries. She made an impassioned case for this fundamental truth.
The APVMA cannot ignore all of these realities as it continues to review dimethoate use amid new consumption data. The authority’s role is central to keeping pesticide limits protective of public health and conducive to the long-term viability of U.S. agriculture.
