On June 19th, in Hanoi, the Institute for Regional Research and Development (Ministry of Science and Technology) collaborated with ABI Corporation (Japan) to inaugurate the CAS (Cell Alive System) technology laboratory – a technology for preserving live cells.
This is the world’s most advanced technology for preserving seafood, agricultural products, and food, exclusively patented by ABI Corporation, recognized in 22 countries, the European Union (EU), and protected worldwide.
 Delegates visiting the CAS laboratory. (Photo: Vu Sinh/TTXVN) |
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan emphasized that Japan is a leading country in the world for researching and successfully applying many advanced technologies in agricultural production, especially in the field of preserving seafood and agricultural products, with CAS technology being one of the outstanding technologies.
This technology has been effectively applied in many enterprises processing and trading seafood, agricultural products, meat, and food in Japan, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Ireland, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and more.
The application of CAS technology in Vietnam will contribute to the technological innovation in the post-harvest technology sector to address the challenging issue of developing commodity agriculture, specifically the preservation of seafood and tropical agricultural products from Vietnam for export and domestic consumption.
According to Mr. Le Tat Khuong, Director of the Institute for Regional Research and Development, to receive and develop CAS technology in Vietnam, the Ministry of Science and Technology has assigned the Institute to collaborate with ABI Corporation to implement the program “Cooperation in building a CAS technology center for preserving agricultural products and food in Vietnam” from November 1, 2012, to April 30, 2015.
The program consists of three main phases, with Phase 1 focusing on establishing the CAS technology laboratory, receiving technology, and researching the application of CAS technology in preserving some tropical agricultural products in Vietnam.
Phase 2 will involve transferring CAS technology for preserving seafood and agricultural products to several Vietnamese enterprises.
Phases 3a and 3b will transfer CAS equipment manufacturing technology to Vietnam; establish joint ventures to build raw material areas meeting preservation technology standards and apply CAS technology for preserving agricultural products and food for domestic consumption and export.
CAS technology combines rapid cooling with the creation of an electronic field combined with ultrasound waves to preserve fresh products, helping water molecules in cells become flexible and preventing them from concentrating and freezing during storage.
As a result, the cellular tissue structure during cold storage is not disrupted, oxidation processes are inhibited, bacterial contamination is prevented, and the products retain their aroma, flavor, and necessary moisture to keep them fresh for an extended period.
Moreover, this is a clean and economical technology for preserving agricultural products and fresh food.
