Insecticide dimethoate declared safe by APVMA

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicinces Authority will allow farmers to continue using dimethoate.
 

The APVMA made the decision after a 13-year “reconsideration” of the insecticide to confirm it was safe and that exposure to possible residues within food was in safe limits.
 

APVMA executive director of scientific assessment and chemical review Jason Lutze said farmers could use dimethoate on avocado, cereal, citrus, cotton, mango, peanut and pulse crops.
 

However, the chemical is restricted for oilseed and fodder crops and banned for some tropical fruit crops, some vegetables and the home garden.
 

The APVMA suspended the use of dimethoate on many food crops and gardens in 2011 following advice that residue levels could exceed the recommended public health standard.