Abstract: Process for the production of starter cultures for the production of dairy products having predetermined properties, wherein the starter cultures are treated with pulsed electric fields (PEF) of rectangular monopolar high voltage pulses of a field strength of 0.2 to 1 kV/cm with a pulse duration of 5 to 8 ?s at a frequency of 1 to 21 Hz for 20 to 80 pulses, for each parameter respectively ±15% or ±10% or ±5%.