Source: https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13c40-f2e4-700d-bc84-c6fc391ad83f/improving-sustainability-in-food-processing-using-mef awarded GB open procedure Suitable for SMEs # Improving Sustainability in Food Processing using MEF [Defra Network eTendering Portal](https://tendernation.io/buyers/defra-network-etendering-portal) Often single bidder Estimated value £99,999 Published 1 May 2019 Deadline Closed 1 Jan 2019 ## Who can bid - Buyer says suitable for SMEs The buyer ticked “suitable for SMEs” on the notice. Anyone can still bid. - Small contract value Valued under £135,018 including VAT, the lowest Procurement Act threshold for goods and services. - Open procedure Anyone can submit a full tender; there is no shortlisting stage. [More contracts for small businesses and VCSEs](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/for-small-businesses) ## About this tender Food manufacturers are challenged by production, cost and efficiency. They are required to respond with speed and flexibility, while achieving minimal energy consumption and waste. MEF is one of the 'greenest' ways electrical energy can be used in food processing. This arises from direct, simple energy application, volumetric heating, tremendously reduced heating times all minimising energy loss opportunities and providing an outstanding alternative to conventional heating. MEF differs significantly from the more widely researched Pulse Electric Fields (see abstract), but because no formal definition currently exists, the term is used inconsistently. Some workers reserve 'MEF' for predominantly 'non-thermal' processes using 'ohmic heating' for thermal applications, others use the terms interchangeably. This project considers 'ohmic heating' as a subset of MEF due to the difficulty of divorcing thermal from non-thermal phenomena, as noted in many 'ohmic' publications. Since 2004 there has been an exponential rise in MEF citations with approx. 315 publications currently available. A recent review describes an extensive range of applications including extraction, protein coagulation, parboiling, blanching, thawing, dough proofing, dehydration, evaporation, peeling, softening, hydro distillation, starch gelatinisation, pasteurisation and sterilisation. In addition a recent opinion paper outlines future MEF research needs, all will be addressed in the project, although allergenic potential suggestions will only be discussed. For food manufacturers, MEF offers many innovative processing solutions with associated benefits including improved sustainability, reduced environmental impact, increased competitiveness, and intensified processing, enhanced product safety/quality and also waste valorisation. However, to date MEF is largely only explored in research/academic setting, with this information not yet translating to a commercial environment. Sustainability and increasing resource efficiency is at the core of this project which focuses on the establishment of processing applications for MEF (an extremely 'green' method for superior electrical energy usage in food processing), addressing knowledge gaps currently preventing this technology from achieving its true potential in post farm gate processing of foods thereby reducing the environmental impact of food manufacture. Additional information: Please note that Defra procurement uses an E-tendering system for Procurement activities. This is currently provided by Bravo Solutions. To access appropriate tendering and contractual documents, please access the E-Tendering portal at [defra.bravosolution.co.uk](https://defra.bravosolution.co.uk)", ensuring that your registration includes "Defra". If you have any problems with this system, please contact Bravo on their telephone helpline number 0800 368 4850 or by emailing them at . " Read full description ## CPV classification Research laboratory services Source Contracts Finder (UK) [View official notice](https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/notice/8da9666b-b366-4f00-aa7c-ac715a9e676c) Never miss a tender like this again Get AI summaries, deadline alerts and a bid pipeline for tenders matched to your business. Free to start. 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