Importance

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Abstract

The underlying invention involves a process to control pests in stored products, and tobacco products in particular, whereby goods that are prone to infestation are intermittently shock-frozen at temperatures below zero, and whereby the minimum duration and minimum temperature of the shock treatment are selected so as to ensure that the stored product pests are killed in all stages of their development. Accordingly, the underlying invention is advantageous in that it enables effective, long-lasting pest control of goods prone to infestation because it kills not only beetles and their larvae, but also the eggs of the any pests, thus preventing the development of the eggs into the larval stage at a later point in time. Also, the invention's process makes it possible to eliminate the use of highly toxic chemicals which can leave residues in the treated goods and thereby constitute a health hazard to the consumers thereof. Because it is no longer necessary to use highly toxic chemicals the process is also very economical, in that it eliminates time-consuming and cost-intensive safety measures.

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First Claim