Proposed suspension of specific dimethoate products

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has proposed to suspend the product registration and label approval of chemical products containing dimethoate for use on blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.

The APVMA has received new information gathered by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) which indicates that Australians’ consumption of blueberries, blackberries and raspberries has increased significantly compared to the amount assessed during the most recent dimethoate reconsideration completed in 2017.

Based on these consumption figures, the APVMA has reassessed the potential level of dietary exposure for all chemicals approved for use in these berries and found that use of dimethoate following the approved label directions does not leave an adequate safety-margin between the possible level of dimethoate residues and the maximum acceptable level of exposure. The APVMA considers the level of residues detected are unlikely to pose a serious risk to human health, but has proposed suspension of these specific dimethoate products as a precautionary measure.

The APVMA remains satisfied that all other approved uses of dimethoate are safe. No other chemicals used on blueberries, raspberries or blackberries require regulatory action at this stage.

If dimethoate products are suspended as proposed, a deemed permit valid for one year would come into effect. The permit would include instructions that allow the continued use of dimethoate but require a 14 day harvest withholding period when used on blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.

Holders of dimethoate registrations and other relevant stakeholders have 20 days to provide any information that would demonstrate why the products should not be suspended. Members of the public are also invited to comment on the proposed suspension. Comments should be related to the reasons for the proposed suspension and must be submitted to the APVMA by 2 September, 2025.

Registered chemical products containing dimethoate can continue to be used during the consultation period, in accordance with the approved label instructions.

The APVMA will consider all submissions before making a final decision