Para-excel Global Limited's plant-based antimicrobial coating, Phytorbit, has received regulatory approval from Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The development marks a step forward in addressing post-harvest losses and improving food safety practices in Nigeria's agricultural supply chain.
© phytorbit
Phytorbit is an edible, plant-derived coating designed to be sprayed on fresh produce, containers, storage areas, tools, and transport vehicles. The product aims to reduce spoilage and contamination without the use of synthetic chemicals, extending the shelf life of perishable crops and minimizing microbial activity.
The innovation was developed by Sani Nababa Abdulmumini, CEO of Para-excel Global Limited. According to Abdulmumini, the approval signifies both regulatory validation and broader support for solutions to the issue of post-harvest losses, which continue to affect a large portion of Nigeria's agricultural output.
© phytorbit
Estimates indicate that more than 40% of perishable produce, such as tomatoes, onions, and leafy greens, is lost post-harvest in Nigeria. Phytorbit's formulation targets this problem by reducing microbial spoilage and moisture loss, contributing to improved produce quality during storage and transportation.
The coating has undergone testing on several crop types, including tomatoes, onions, cassava, Irish potatoes, ginger, turmeric, avocado, pears, and strawberries. Trials suggest the product may be suitable across various crop groups and climate conditions.
© phytorbit
To expand access to the coating, Para-excel Global has initiated collaborations with agro-processors, farmers' cooperatives, and market associations in rural and urban regions. The company reports a current production capacity of 5,000 bottles per day, with each unit able to treat 500 kg to 1 ton of produce.
Phytorbit has also drawn attention from international organizations focused on sustainable innovation, including the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC³) and Circular Valley. These platforms promote technologies aimed at reducing reliance on synthetic inputs and enhancing resource efficiency in food systems.
© phytorbit
As efforts to curb food losses and improve food security continue, Phytorbit's regulatory approval may pave the way for broader use of biodegradable preservation methods in Nigeria's agricultural value chain. Further data on large-scale deployment and long-term impact will inform the product's future role in domestic and export markets.
For more information:
Para-excel Global Limited
Tel: +234-8036684660
Email: [email protected]
