Population dynamics of the constitutive biota of French dry sausages in a pilot-scale ripening chamber

Bactometer system versus traditional methods for monitoring bacteria populations in salchichón during its ripening process

The performance of the Bactometer system (an impedimetric microbial monitoring system) compared with traditional methods (microbial colony counts) for monitoring bacterial populations (lactic acid bacteria [LAB], Enterobacteriaceae, and coliforms) was studied in 90 samples of an experimental salchichón (a type of Spanish ripened dry sausage) during its ripening process. The population quantitations were carried out with fresh sausage, semiripened sausage (14 days of ripening), and finished product (28 days of ripening). The results showed a high correlation between the traditional microbial colony count (in CFU per gram) and the impedance detection time: -0.98, -0.97, and -0.94 for coliforms, Enterobacteriaceae, and LAB, respectively (P < 0.01). Considering the results obtained with regard to the enumeration of populations of Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms, and LAB in salchichón during its ripening process, the advantages of impedance with respect to plate counts for monitoring the microbial dynamics of ripening processes are notable, especially in its time-saving aspects: between 19 and 21 h in the case of Enterobacteriaceae, between 7 and 20 h for coliforms, and between 32 and 46 h for LAB.

Selection criteria for lactic acid bacteria to be used as functional starter cultures in dry sausage production: An update

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have long been used as starter cultures in the production of fermented dry sausages and other meat-derived commodities. These cultures are generally designed to meet food safety, shelf-life, technological effectiveness and economic feasibility criteria. Besides all these traditional properties, novel starter cultures should take into account the risks posed by the formation of biogenic amines in food, and the development and spreading of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Further, 'functional starters' could protect consumers from harmful bacteria either by a rapid acidification or by the production of antimicrobials (bacteriocins). Specially-selected cultures may also provide probiotic benefits, and, if properly modified, they may even be endorsed with nutraceutical traits. The present review discusses the technological and new selection criteria that should be taken into account when selecting LAB starter cultures for the production of fermented dry sausages.

Beneficial lactobacilli in food and feed: long-term use, biodiversity and proposals for specific and realistic safety assessments

Lactobacilli have played a crucial role in the production of fermented products for millennia. Their probiotic effects have recently been studied and used in new products. Isolated cases of lactobacillemia have been reported in at-risk populations, but lactobacilli present an essentially negligible biological risk. We analyzed the current European guidelines for safety assessment in food/feed and conclude that they are not relevant for the Lactobacillus genus. We propose new specific guidelines, beginning by granting a 'long-standing presumption of safety' status to Lactobacillus genus based on its long history of safe use. Then, based on the available body of knowledge and intended use, only such tests as are useful will be necessary before attributing 'qualified presumption of safety' status.