Joint statement from EPA and NSW Food Authority: Joint review of berry testing data shows no evidence of pesticide misuse

The NSW Government has confirmed there is no evidence that blueberries from Northern NSW are unsafe to eat, following a review by the NSW Food Authority and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

The EPA has reviewed the results of a 2024 research project, which reported the presence of thiometon, a pesticide not registered for use in Australia, on store bought blueberries in Northern NSW.

Data from industry testing provider FreshTest for the same testing period as the research project – October and November 2024 – showed no evidence of thiometon residue on any berries tested.

Additionally, a review of the 2024 research found the methodology and analysis used were not accredited for testing fresh fruit such as berries, and therefore the results are unreliable. 

The NSW Food Authority regularly tests foods for other purposes, including hygiene assessment, foodborne illness investigation, product verification and research. 

If a food safety risk is identified, the products are recalled. 

The NSW Food Authority recommends that consumers ensure all fresh fruit and vegetables are washed with cool tap water immediately before eating. 

The NSW Food Authority intends to conduct further tests on retailed berries to confirm that thiometon is not present.

The EPA will also continue to focus compliance activities on lawful use of pesticides in the Mid to North Coast regions. 

Source: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/news/epamedia/251003-joint-statement-from-epa-and-nsw-food-authority-joint-review-of-berry-testing-data-shows-no-evidence-of-pesticide-misuse

---

Berries Australia welcomes this joint statement from the EPA and the NSW Food Authority confirming that Australian berries are safe to eat and there is no evidence of misuse of pesticides

This statement confirms our previous comments that there was no credible evidence of any chemical misuse, as recently claimed. In particular we note the comment that a review of the 2024 research found that the analysis was not based accredited methodology for testing fresh fruit such as berries, and the results were unreliable.

Fresh berries undergo regular testing at multiple points in the supply chain, and the berry industry is firmly committed to providing a safe, nutritious product for Australian consumers and the appropriate use of agricultural chemicals. We also support the industry goal of integrated pest management approaches using beneficial insects and provide educational resources to assist them in managing issues, such as spray drift.

It is disappointing that such misinformation potentially deters consumers from eating fresh, nutritious locally grown berries that contribute to the health of Australians and billions of dollars to regional economies.