Japanese churn out vegetables without exposure to air

Welcome to the food factory of Japan. It is full of brightly lit shelves which look more like a chemist’s shop than a grocery store. The creators claim that this is the future of food for humanity. Japanese scientists are creating vegetables in a pure controlled and sterile environment which is uncontaminated by dirt, insects or fresh air. They are called as the plant factories and these have sprung up almost in every part of the country. It can churn out immaculate looking lettuces and green leaves 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Every part of the plant’s environment is controlled right from lighting and temperature to humidity and water. Even the carbon dioxide levels are altered by the minute.

The producers wear gloves, surgical masks and dust proof protective suits which you normally see in a chemical factory. These vegetables are sold at a premium to consumers. They are free from chemicals and also poison bugs. Since these plants are grown in a very sterile and clean room, they can be eaten without washing. Some of these factories are massive and are able to produce 3 million vegetables a year. But should such food security come at such a heavy price. Well that could be a debate!


[Dailymail]