Berries Under the Microscope: What’s Really in Your Blueberries, Raspberries & Blackberries?
- Anastasia
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
What the Science Found
Recent independent lab testing on supermarket blueberries and raspberries has revealed alarming results:
A pesticide banned in Australia since 2001, thiometon, was detected in multiple samples—including one labeled organic.
Dimethoate, a neurotoxic chemical legal in Australia but banned in the EU, was found in amounts that could push a small child above safe daily limits with just one handful of berries.
Each tested sample had between 4 to 11 different pesticides—most technically legal, but many untested for cumulative exposure risks.
These tests, conducted by Southern Cross University professor Kirsten Benkendorff and her team, are prompting urgent reviews by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
What’s Going On?
Berry Consumption Has Skyrocketed
Australians are eating nearly 10 times more berries than in the 1990s. But our food safety standards haven’t caught up—pesticide levels considered safe decades ago are now potentially problematic, especially for children.
Outdated Regulations & Poor Oversight
The APVMA’s original data is based on old dietary studies and doesn’t reflect modern consumption or combined chemical exposure. Meanwhile, some blueberry farms in northern NSW operate without full traceability or environmental oversight, leading to pesticide spray drift, unregistered farms, and community complaints.
Yes, Even Organic Labels May Fail
Even “organic” berries weren’t safe from contamination in the independent study—raising serious questions about the integrity of supply chains and certification.
Now Is the Time to Start Growing Your Own
If you’ve ever thought about growing your own food, this is your wake-up call.
With hydroponic and aquaponic systems, you can grow fresh, chemical-free produce year-round—even in small urban spaces or inside your restaurant kitchen.
Benefits of growing your own food include:
Full control over what touches your plants
Zero exposure to harmful residues
Massive savings over time
Unmatched freshness, flavour, and nutrition
Sustainability that resonates with conscious consumers
You don’t need a farm to start. You just need a system—and the will to take back control.
Whether it's basil on your balcony or berries in your backyard, the safest food is the food you grow yourself.
Explore How to Start Growing Your Own www.urbangreenfarms.com.au
What You Can Do If You Still Buy Store-Bought:
Concern | Proactive Steps |
Limited monitoring | Support calls for stronger national food safety programs and updated residue testing |
Chemical contamination | Rinse and gently scrub berries (but note: many pesticides are absorbed internally) |
Lack of traceability | Buy from trusted local farmers and verified organic suppliers |
Systemic pesticide use | Switch to homegrown where possible and reduce your reliance on unknown sources |
Final Thought: Take Back Control of Your Plate
This isn't about fear—it's about empowerment. The berry case is just one example of how the modern food chain can fail us. But we have a choice.
Whether you're a home cook, a parent, or a chef—you can choose to grow clean, safe, delicious food right where you live.
Because food shouldn't be a gamble.It should be a gift.
🌿 Start your own growing journey today. You—and your health—deserve it.
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