TEWKSBURY, MASS. — Raytheon Co. has developed a food safety pasteurization system that focuses concentrated energy in the form of heat produced by millimeter waves to the surface of food products. The company said the technology is particularly effective for ground meats and citrus.

"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 tests using multiple samples of meat pre-contaminated with three harmful bacteria, the company said the system killed all three in less than 16 seconds. Raytheon also said the system does not use ionizing radiation and may be incorporated into existing processing lines.