This Pune Innovation Removes 99% Pesticides From Food: Cost, Availability, Is It Worth It?
This Pune Innovation Removes 99% Pesticides From Food: Cost, Availability, Is It Worth It? Published By, Edited By Last Updated: July 31, 2026, 14:10 IST
This Pune Innovation Removes 99% Pesticides From Food: Cost, Availability, Is It Worth It? Published By, Edited By Last Updated: July 31, 2026, 14:10 IST A CSIR-NCL scientist's Pune-based startup has developed a wash that removes 99% of pesticides and pathogens from fruits, vegetables and even meat. Pesticide exposure through food has been linked to health issues ranging from headaches and respiratory infections to more serious conditions like ADHD, cancer and Parkinson's syndrome. An apple a day may keep the doctor away — but how clean is that apple to begin with? That’s the question Asmita Prabhune, a scientist at Pune’s CSIR- Chemical Laboratory (NCL), set out to answer, and her findings have led to a homegrown solution now being used in kitchens across the country. Fruits and vegetables travel a long way from farm to fork, often picking up pesticide residues, dust, pollution and microorganisms along the way. According to a report by Indian Express, Nepal banned Indian mangoes over pesticide concerns in June this year, while several European countries have rejected Indian agricultural produce for similar reasons in recent years.
Pesticide exposure through food has been linked to health issues ranging from headaches and respiratory infections to more serious conditions like ADHD, cancer and Parkinson’s syndrome. Does A Regular Rinse Actually Clean Your Produce? Not really, says Prabhune, who told Indian Express that the common assumption — that a quick rinse under the tap, or a wash with salt water or vinegar, is sufficient — is flawed. Prabhune, who earlier developed a Make-in-India, alcohol-free sanitiser during the Covid-19 pandemic with DST funding, went on to found Green Pyramid Biotech, a startup built around food safety and produce hygiene. The company, incubated at Pune’s Venture Center and spun off from CSIR-NCL with backing from the Technology Development Board’s Seed Support System, works on the principle of creating products that “give back to nature without harming nature." What Does The Product Actually Do, And How Is It Used? The startup’s flagship product, Sophab, is a concentrate designed to remove up to 99 per cent of pesticides, pathogens and chemical residues from fruits and vegetables. According to the report, users are meant to dilute the product in water, soak the produce for two to three minutes, rub gently, and rinse — after which the leftover water can reportedly even be reused to water plants.
Prabhune was quoted by Indian Express as saying the wash also helps extend the shelf life of vegetables by removing surface dirt, dust and microbes. The company is also readying a wipe-and-eat product for fruits like guava, with production yet to begin. What Else Does The Company Offer? Product What It’s For Where To Get It Sophab Fruit & vegetable wash; removes pesticides, pathogens, dirt Amazon, Flipkart, company website LaFleshol Wash for chicken, meat and fish; removes pathogens Amazon, company website Fruit/veg wipes (upcoming) Wipe-and-eat cleaning for fruits like guava Not yet launched QCleanse Dry body cleanser Company website Qrinse Dry shampoo Company website Qsan Hand and surface sanitiser Company website Why Is This Personal For The Scientist Behind It? For Prabhune, the venture was never about profit. “My aim was not to make a profit but to help people. It is, literally, happening," she told IE, adding that many customers have told her their children and elderly family members can now eat grapes without the throat irritation once caused by pesticide residue — something she calls a matter of pride.
The BriefWire