New Delhi: At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has created havoc globally, the Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology- IPFT an autonomous Institution under the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers has successfully developed two new technologies namely “Disinfectant spray for surface application” and “Disinfectant spray for Vegetables & fruits.”
According to a statement provided by IPFT the variety of surfaces like door handles, chair armrest, computer keyboard & mouse taps, etc. may transmit microbes to the individuals through direct or indirect contact. Keeping this in view IPFT has developed; alcohol-based “Disinfectant Spray” for the surface applications containing botanical anti-microbial which may be effective in prevention from various diseases caused by microbes, bacteria, and virus. The formulation is volatile and evaporates quickly after disinfecting the surface and does not leave any stains, odor, and residue, etc.
IPFT has also developed Disinfectant Spray to remove pesticide residues leftover on the surface of fruits and vegetables. Fruits & vegetables are basic food commodities and necessary component of daily nutrition. Sometimes non-judicious uses of pesticides contaminate raw vegetables and fruits as pesticide residues persist on their surface and can cause health risk upon consumption.
To make fruits and vegetables 100 percent safe for human consumption IPFT has developed a water-based formulation. The decontamination procedure using the formulation is simple; vegetables or fruits are soaked in the diluted solution of this formulation for15-20 minutes thereafter rinsed with fresh water. This simple procedure makes fruits and vegetables totally pesticide-free.