In a precautionary decision, APVMA suspends dimethoate use on berries, announcing that products containing dimethoate can no longer be used on blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.

The final decision of is a precautionary step based on revised dietary exposure data and comes after a public comment session that ended on September 2, 2025.

Key Reason for APVMA Suspends Dimethoate Use on Berries: Increased Consumption

Since dimethoate was last thoroughly reevaluated in 2017, Australian consumption of these berries has significantly grown, according to new data gathered by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ), which is the basis for the regulatory action.

The APVMA re-evaluated the potential dietary exposure based on these revised consumption statistics and discovered that using dimethoate in accordance with the authorized label instructions does not provide a sufficient safety margin between possible dimethoate residues and the maximum allowable level of exposure.

“The level of residues detected is unlikely to pose a serious risk to human health, but has suspended use as a precautionary measure,” the APVMA said. Berries are still safe to consume.

Next Steps for Growers and Manufacturers

Interim Use Permit: With an obligatory 14-day harvest withholding period, a permit is continued use of dimethoate on blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries takes effect right away. The duration of this permission is one year.
Industry Action: In order to legally modify their registration to incorporate the new 14-day withholding period for these berries, holders of dimethoate product registrations may apply to the APVMA. They may also decide to completely stop using berries. The product will no longer be suspended if one of these modifications is put into practice.

The APVMA has determined that all other authorized applications of dimethoate in Australia are safe and unaffected.