November 10, 2014: Dr. Maria Flachsbarth, Parliamentary State Secretary in the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), today presented the subsidy notifications to the partners of the research project 3Plas on the occasion of the kick-off meeting at the ATB. 

The use of atmospheric low-temperature plasmas for decontaminating microorganisms on the surfaces of food is being researched intensively for several years at the ATB. The now stating project 3Plas focusses on the innovative plasma applicationin order to guarantee the safety of dry products - while maintaining product quality. 

In her speech, Dr. Maria Flachsbarth emphasized the relevance of the research project: "If this technology can besuccessfully applied and can be implemented industrially, it would not only make a valuable contribution to food security, but also to a longer shelf life. Lack of durability is often cited as the reason for throwing food away. Logistics and export would also benefit from a longer shelf life. Reduced losses, improved storage and transport facilities would also have a significant economical impact. Thus, in terms of economy, ecology and social aspects the project would be equally successful." 

Dr. Maria Flachsbarth took the opportunity of the event for an exchange about ongoing research activities in ATB's research laboratories. 

 The research project "Plasma-based decontamination of dry plant products to increase food safety - 3Plas" with a total volume of nearly 3 million Euros is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) for a period of three years. Project Management Agency is the  Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE) in the framework of its innovation program.