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Banned Overseas, Sold Here: Australia’s Dirty Food Secret… and why Organic Awareness Matters now more than ever for Aussie families

As Australians, we cherish the fresh produce that fills our plates and markets. Yet, lurking beneath that inviting punnet of berries might be something few of us realise ,  a chemical known as dimethoate. Understanding what this substance is, and why it's under increasing scrutiny, is vital for families committed to healthy, transparent food choices.

What Is Dimethoate,  And Why Should You Know About It?

Dimethoate is a type of organophosphate insecticide, used in Australian agriculture since the 1950s. It’s commonly sprayed on raspberries, blackberries, mangoes, avocados, and other fruits to control pests like fruit flies. But here’s the problem, dimethoate works by interfering with the nervous system, and its breakdown product, omethoate, is even more toxic, up to ten times more potent.

Acute exposure can cause symptoms like nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, or even seizures. Long-term exposure has been linked to issues like memory loss and nervous system damage. These aren’t risks any parent wants on their dinner plate.

Globally, Dimethoate Is on the Way Out, In the European Union, dimethoate has been banned due to health and environmental risks. Countries like France, Spain, and Italy no longer allow it in agriculture.


Even in Australia, post-harvest use has been suspended on tropical fruits like mangoes and avocados, and the harvest withholding period for other fruits is being doubled from 7 to 14 days to reduce potential exposure.


Despite these red flags, it’s still being used on non-organic berries sold in major supermarkets.

The Hidden Cost of “Healthy Looking” It’s a confronting reality: you think you’re feeding your family a healthy choice. fresh berries, crisp apples, vibrant veggies, only to find out later they may have been treated with chemicals you were never told about.

There is currently no legal requirement in Australia to disclose which pesticides were used on fresh produce. So even if you're avoiding processed foods and reaching for fresh alternatives, you could be unknowingly bringing home chemical residues that have been banned in other parts of the world.

This isn’t just about health,it’s about trust. 

We rely on food labels and store shelves to guide our decisions. When transparency is missing, the burden falls unfairly on families, especially those trying their best to do what’s right.

Professor Kirsten Benkendorff, who discovered the pesticide residues after testing supermarket berries, raised a key issue in the regulation of food safety:

“Organic growers pay a fortune to maintain certification and prove their produce is clean. Yet conventional producers aren’t required to routinely test their products to confirm they fall below the maximum residue limits. That’s a serious double standard—and consumers deserve better transparency.”

It’s Time Our Regulators Stepped Up For too long, Australian families have been left to connect the dots on their own. The APVMA registers agricultural chemicals. FSANZ sets food safety standards. State departments monitor compliance. But when it comes to proactively educating the public about the risks of pesticides like dimethoate, the system falls silent.

The truth is, the information is out there, but it’s buried in technical jargon, hidden on outdated websites, and never makes it to the fruit aisle where parents are making daily decisions. We’re calling on these agencies to do better. It's not enough to regulate behind closed doors, we need clear, accessible, consumer-first education that empowers Australians to make truly informed choices. Because when it comes to the health of our kids and communities, knowledge isn’t just power, it’s protection.

“This is not just a regulatory oversight. It’s a betrayal.” Anni Brownjohn

Anni Brownjohn, founder of Ozganics and a pioneer in Australia’s certified organic industry for over two decades, has long fought for truth in labelling and transparency in food systems. And today, her message is louder than ever:

"Australians deserve to know what’s on their food. It’s not enough to hide behind complex regulations and hope the public doesn’t ask questions. This is not just a regulatory oversight, it’s a betrayal of trust. We need urgent reform, consistent standards, and a national commitment to protecting our children’s health. Transparency should not be a luxury. It should be a legal minimum."
Anni Brownjohn, Founder of Ozganics & Certified Organic Advocate

This isn’t just business for Anni. It’s a lifelong mission to ensure that families have access to food that is truly safe, truly nourishing, and truly honest. As one of the loudest voices in the clean food movement, her call is clear: enough is enough.

Why Certified Organic Is Worth It

At Ozganics, when we say organic, we mean truly organic. Certified organic products follow rigorous rules:

  • No synthetic pesticides or herbicides
  • No GMOs
  • No artificial additives or preservatives
  • Environmentally sustainable farming
  • Audited traceability from soil to shelf

By choosing certified organic, you're choosing to protect your family from hidden risks, support ethical farming, and align with global best practices.

Better for Your Family, Better for the Planet

Numerous studies show organic produce has fewer pesticide residues, more antioxidants, and supports about 30% more biodiversity in farming ecosystems.

It’s not just better for your body, it’s better for soil health, water systems, and the planet your children will inherit.

How to Shop Smarter This Organic Awareness Month

  1. Look for proper certifications – Seek out logos like Australian Certified Organic (ACO), NASAA, or BFA.
  2. Prioritise high-consumption produce  Start with berries, apples, leafy greens, and pantry staples your family eats often.
  3. Support brands that lead with transparency  Like Ozganics, where every label tells the truth.
  4. Push for a national standard  Advocacy matters. We need stronger labelling laws to protect families from misleading marketing.

Ozganics: Done Good for Families, Done Right for Australia

Our mission has always been simple: real food, with no nasties, no secrets, and no shortcuts. This Organic Awareness Month, let’s raise our standards. Let’s expect more from our food system. Let’s demand clarity and choose only what we’d proudly serve our loved ones.

 

Because we feel so strongly about this issue, we have formally submitted a petition to the Parliament of Australia calling for Mandatory Labelling of Chemically Treated Produce. We are now lobbying the government to act, and we’ll keep you updated as it progresses.

This is just the beginning,  when you know better, you do better, and that’s when you’ve truly Done Good. Stay tuned.


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