TEWKSBURY, Mass., Oct. 1, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has developed a pasteurization technology that can be integrated into the food supply chain resulting in energy reduction for the food production market and healthier and safer products for consumers.

The technology delivers concentrated energy to the surface of the food, significantly reducing the amount of wasted energy that exists in current pasteurization methods. Unlike current solutions, this technology does not rely on chemicals or ionizing radiation to destroy harmful bacteria, but rather it uses the heat produced by millimeter waves to kill harmful bacteria. A more efficient solution, 95 percent of the energy produced is directed to the food surface. This is particularly useful for ground meats and citrus, which commonly have higher risk of bacterial contamination.

"Since we patented the first microwave oven nearly 65 years ago, Raytheon has had a rich history of developing innovative solutions for our customers," said Lee Silvestre, vice president of Mission Innovation for Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems. "As our world food supply is becoming increasingly susceptible to contamination, it is important that we continue to develop healthier, more efficient methods to keep our food supply safe."

In recent tests using multiple samples of meat pre-contaminated with three harmful bacteria, the system killed all three in less than 16 seconds. These results demonstrate multiple benefits: This solution is healthier than a chemical wash and more energy efficient than direct heat methods. Additionally, because this technology can be incorporated into existing food processing lines, pasteurization results are achieved more quickly than bulk pasteurization using ionizing radiation.

Raytheon IDS is partnering with Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz. RMS is the world's leading producer of missile systems for U.S. and allied forces. From global missile defense to directed energy solutions, it provides revolutionary technologies to meet customer needs.

Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon's leader in Global Capabilities Integration providing affordable, integrated solutions to a broad international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security.

Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

    Contact:
    Michele Lemos
    978.858.5850

SOURCE Raytheon Company

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

Web site: http://www.raytheon.com/

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