Australia proposes 500-fold pesticide residue increase on berries, sparking outrage

Australian regulators are proposing a significant increase in the legally allowed residue of a new pesticide, isocycloseram, on berries, sparking outrage among anti-pesticide campaigners. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) have deemed treated berries safe for consumers, but opponents argue the proposed 500-fold increase of the "forever chemical" poses an unacceptable risk to human health.

“

At this stage, there are no approvals for this active constituent, or any product registrations anywhere in the world.

Isocycloseram, a chemical that persists in the environment, has been approved for use in tree crops. The APVMA is now considering public comments before finalizing its decision on the residue levels for berries. Campaigners, like Josh Davis from Pesticide Action Australia, express strong concerns, stating that isocycloseram is a PFAS chemical, meaning it is persistent. He highlighted that the issue extends beyond berries, impacting rural communities, the environment, and the food chain.

“

True safety limits are called Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) or Acute Reference Dose (ARfD). MRLs are set far, far below these health limits.

Syngenta, the manufacturer of isocycloseram, asserts that its products have undergone rigorous assessment and received APVMA approval, deeming them safe and effective when used as directed. The pesticide was initially approved for various vegetable crops and later expanded to include tree crops like citrus and almonds, and now berries. The company promotes it as a solution for difficult pests such as thrips and mites.

“

Exposure in the real world would be hundreds or thousands of times lower than what is assumed for the sake of assessment under worst case scenarios.

The APVMA clarified that Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) are distinct from Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) or Acute Reference Dose (ARfD), which are the true safety limits. They stated that MRLs are set far below these health limits, and real-world exposure would be thousands of times lower than worst-case assessment scenarios. However, critics remain unconvinced, emphasizing the long-term environmental and health implications of such chemicals.

“

That means it's a forever chemical. It's berries in the headlines at the moment, but this speaks to a bigger problem.