Effects of insecticide dimethoate withdrawal in Australia considered

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority is reviewing the use of dimethoate because of health concerns.

The chemical is used to kill Queensland fruit fly and other pests on tomatoes, capsicums and melons, before they are either exported or sold from one state to another.

The authority has asked the Ministry of Agriculture and Horticulture New Zealand, to consider the implications of it being withdrawn and to evaluate alternatives.

Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Peter Silcock says the industry needs to make sure there is no biosecurity risk to New Zealand if the insecticide is withdrawn or replaced.

Mr.Silcock says if dimethoate is phased out, Horticulture New Zealand would want a halt on all imports of Australian capsicums and tomatoes, until a new post-harvest treatment is approved.