Food for thought

Amazon is reportedly exploring a new technology that could be used to produce ready-to-eat meals that do not need refrigeration. According to a report published by Reuters today (11 August), Amazon has been in discussions with Denver-based 915 Labs, the company which is bringing the technology to market.

“Microwave assisted thermal sterilization”, or MATS, was developed by researchers at Washington State University.

According to the reports, the MATS system will keep food fresh and flavoursome for up to a year without refrigeration – which would sit very favourably with Amazon’s storage and delivery business models.  Retailers quizzed by Reuters said that the technology could be a “potential disruptor” for the fast-growing food delivery sector.

The Reuters article said that Amazon had declined to comment on the report.