Pesticide authority alters use of dimethoate on berries after new data

The changes come amid health concerns over use of a key insecticide - but confusingly, growers are still permitted to use it.

The nation’s ag-chem regulator has suspended a key insecticide used on berries - but confusingly, growers are still permitted to use it.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority announced on Tuesday it had suspended the product registration and label approval of chemical products containing dimethoate for use on blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.

But the products can still be used as long as a 14-day harvest withholding period is followed when used on blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.

In making the announcement, the APVMA said it would “allow the continued use of dimethoate” with the above 14-day harvest withholding period for the next 12 months.

“Holders of dimethoate product registrations may apply to the APVMA to vary their registration to include a 14-day harvest withholding period for blueberries, blackberries and raspberries or remove the use pattern on those berries entirely, which will result in the product no longer being suspended,” the authority said.

The APVMA suspended the use of dimethoate on berries on the basis of “new information”, some of which is yet to be formally published.

The use of one of the key insecticides used in berry production has been supsended, and 14-day harvest withholding periods now need to be followed.

“This new information demonstrates that Australian consumption of these berries has increased

significantly above the quantity recorded in the data previously considered, in particular, data that was available to the APVMA and assessed during the reconsideration of dimethoate that concluded in March 2017,” the APVMA said.

“Human exposure to residues of dimethoate through the diet is a matter that the APVMA considers in relation to the safety criteria and when determining if the instructions contained on the label for the product are adequate for the purposes of the labelling criteria.”

Berries Australia Ltd chief executive officer Rachel Mackenzie said the industry welcomed the APVMA’s clarification on the use of dimethoate on berries.

“Mindful of concerns about cost increases and supply challenges as a result of restriction of pesticide options, the industry has been working for clear guidance and alternative solutions as part of ongoing investment in sustaining safe and enhancing sustainable production practices,” Ms Mackenzie said.

“The berry industry has acted to minimise pesticide use, mainly by adopting integrated pest management strategies and increasing biological controls to reduce chemical dependence.

“IPM 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.”