A condition in which all contaminating microorganisms are eliminated, not present, or allowed to reproduce. Substances that provide aseptic conditions are known as antiseptics. Aseptic processing involves ensuring sterility and therefore a process that is free from microbial contamination. It is used in the packaging of foods, pharmaceuticals, and medical products. Sterility is achieved using a flash-heating process and the product packaged into aseptic containers. The container is required to be robust and provide a tight seal against outside contamination sources. The container and its contents have the benefit of not requiring refrigeration. Compare sterility.