Determining and Improving the Energy Intensity of Microwave Sterilization & Pasteurization Technologies

An advanced thermal post-packaging food preservation technology for controlling pathogens called "Microwave Assisted Thermal Sterilization" (MATS) has been developed by a team led by Washington State University (WSU) (http://www.microwaveheating.wsu.edu/). MATS technology has the potential for replacing conventional thermal retort ("canning") food preservation methodologies due to its greatly reduced processing time. Typical MATS processes cut conventional canning processing time by 80%, with increased energy efficiency and superior finished product characteristics like improved nutrient retention and substantially increased food quality.