Scientists at the University of Glasgow in Scotland have developed a new prototype system, which uses plasma to convert oxygen inside sealed packaging into ozone in order to kill germs in packaged food.
According to the scientists, the system uses a retractable device which is held against the surface of plastic or glass packaging that generates plasma to divide the bonds between oxygen molecules inside the packaging, which then change as ozone.
After a couple of hours, the ozone returns to its original condition naturally.
The process, which does not badly affect the taste of the food, extends shelf-life by at least a day.
In December 2012, Edinburgh scientists announced the development of a new way of prolonging food shelf life using microwave technology.
