The multinational Bayer is expected to end global sales of endosulfan, replacing the toxic pesticide with safer alternatives.

But the Federal Government's pesticides authority continued yesterday to maintain the chemical was safe for use on a wide range of crops.

More than 60 countries have banned endosulfan. The chemical has been linked to reproductive and developmental damage in animals and humans, and residues have been detected in breast milk and placentas.

In October, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, to which Australia is a signatory, will consider elevating endosulfan to the final stage of assessment, which if passed would trigger a gradual global ban.

Endosulfan is approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority for use on many crops, including tomatoes, citrus fruit and cotton.

Its possible use in a nut plantation at Noosa has still not been ruled out by an investigation into an outbreak of two-headed bass larvae at a neighbouring hatchery.