Australian regulator proposes 500‑fold increase in pesticide residue limits on berries

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has announced a proposal to raise the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for the pesticide isocycloseram on raspberries and blackberries by up to 500 times. The agency says the higher limits would still keep consumer exposure well below levels that could cause harm, and products containing the chemical would need a warning that it is “suspected of damaging the unborn child.”

Environmental and health groups have condemned the plan, citing animal studies that link isocycloseram to testicular degeneration, reduced sperm counts, liver damage and birth defects in rats. Josh Davis, executive director of Pesticide Action Australia, warned that “once again Australians are being exposed to a new chemical the full consequences of which may take decades to reveal.” The APVMA relies on data submitted by Syngenta, the chemical’s manufacturer, and has been criticised for depending heavily on industry‑sponsored research. The chemical is classified as a PFAS “forever chemical” by the OECD and European regulators, though Australia uses a narrower definition.