Berries—vibrant, juicy, antioxidant-rich little powerhouses—are often cast as the “guilt-free” snack of choice. But according to recent cautionary notes from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), even these wholesome fruits might harbour hidden concerns.

Here’s a deep dive into what’s going on, and what you can do to continue enjoying berries smartly.

What’s the issue?

Pesticide under the spotlight

The chemical in question is Dimethoate — an insecticide used since the 1950s on crops including blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.

It works by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase — the same enzyme that humans rely on. That means while it’s effective against pests, it also carries an inherent risk if residue exposure becomes significant.

Why regulators are concerned now

Consumption of berries in Australia has surged — by between 285 % and 962% since the last assessment of dimethoate.

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Because people (especially children) are eating more, the previously comfortable “safety buffer” between exposure from residue and harmful levels is shrinking. APVMA’s own wording: “The volume Australians consume has significantly eaten into the safety buffer between exposure and risk.”

Importantly: This does not mean your berries are unsafe — the regulator says they remain safe to eat. It’s more a precaution and adjustment in rules to reflect how much we’re eating.
The Times of India

So what does this mean for you?

• Don’t panic and avoid berries altogether. They remain a nutritious snack option.
• But do adopt a more mindful approach:
• Wash your berries thoroughly under cool, running water. This helps reduce pesticide residue and surface contaminants (though it won’t eliminate all residue).
  The Times of India
• Especially if you’re a parent of young children (ages 2-6). Kids tend to consume more per kilogram of body weight, making buffer zones more relevant.
• Consider varying your fruit choices instead of relying on the same berries every day. Diversifying helps spread any low-level risks.
• If you’re sourcing from farms or markets, ask about how recently sprays were applied, or opt for berries marked as “organic” / “low-residue”.

Quick checklist for berry safety

✅ Buy from trusted sources, ideally with traceability.

✅ Wash carefully.

✅ Store in the fridge and consume promptly.

✅ Rotate fruit types to avoid over-reliance on any one source.

✅ Ask or look for labels: Was pesticide spraying recent? Was the waiting period observed?

✅ If possible, go for certified organic berries—or at least those labelled low residue.

Berries remain a smart choice for snacking and nutrition — rich in flavonoids, colour, flavour and health benefits. The key takeaway is not to fear them, but to eat them wisely. As consumption habits evolve, so must our approach to sourcing and preparation. A little vigilance and good washing habits go a long way in making your berry habit both delightful and safer.