Tuning out harmful bacteria…
Researchers have found high intensity radio waves can kill bacteria. The radio frequency electrical fields technique, or R-F-E-F, has been studied as a pasteurization method since the 1950s. The latest research suggests R-F-E-F may be capable of cold pasteurization.
The tests showed apple juice blasted with high-intensity, low-frequency radio waves eliminated 99.9 percent of a non-dangerous strain of e.coli known as K12. Because e. coli o157:H7 is from the same family, it is hoped this lethal cousin will respond accordingly.
R-F-E-F may also have application as a cold pasteurization method for other heat-sensitive foods such as liquid egg products.