Abstract: New strains of non-lactose fermenting Pediococcus pentosaceus containing a naturally occurring plasmid are described. The new Pediococcus pentosaceus strains have been exposed to a mutagenic agent, preferably 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine, to modify genetic material which controls the fermentation of lactose to lactic acid. The naturally occurring plasmid is between about 30 to 35 megadaltons in molecular weight. Compositions including the new strains of lactose negative Pediococcus pentosaceus are useful for food fermentations, particularly meat formulations.

Abstract: Compositions of selected strains of Pseudomonas bacteria having the ability to utilize halogenated aromatic compounds as a sole carbon source are described. The bacteria are isolated from environments where they have been in long association with halogenated aromatic compounds, usually analagous compounds. First L-tryptophan and then a halogenated aromatic hydrocarbon are used as sole carbon sources for isolating and testing the selected strains. The isolated Pseudomonas strains are Pseudomonas putida; Pseudomonas sp. NRRL-B-12,538 or NRRL-B-12,539 or transfer derivatives thereof and are useful for degrading halogenated aromatic pollutants, particularly mono- and di-chloroaromatics.