Abstract: The invention describes a method for improving flavor production in a fermented food product, a S. thermophilus strain wherein glutamate dehydrogenase is inactivated, as well as a food product comprising such strain. Moreover, the invention describes a method for identifying S. thermophilus strains having improved flavor production, and use thereof for improving flavor production in a fermented food product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a soy-based fermented food product using L. delbrueckii and a strain capable of stimulating growth of L. delbrueckii, and a food product obtainable by such method. The invention also provides for a culture comprising said strains, and the use thereof for preparing said fermented food product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for conditioning liquid, neutral products which are intended for consumption or for processing into foods. In particular, the invention concerns a method for controlling the gas composition in such products at any time or during the complete treatment process. Further, the invention relates to the products obtained and obtainable from this method, which products possess improved properties and especially an improved microbiological quality.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for conditioning milk and milk products, and in particular for controlling the gas composition in the milk at any time or during the complete treatment process. Further, the invention relates to the milk and milk products obtained and obtainable from this method, which milk and milk products possess improved properties. In particular, an improved light stability is obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and means for regulating gene expression and to CodY target sequences. CodY represses its target genes by binding to specific DNA sequences upstream of the respective genes. A conserved target site was identified by analyzing upstream sequences of derepressed genes in a delta codY L. lactis MG1363 derivative, as identified in a DNA micro-array study. Also, CodY target sequences from other gram-positive bacteria, like B. subtilis and Streptococcus are disclosed. Hence, the invention provides CodY target sequences that may be used in different applications to repress or derepress gene expression.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions for fair-skin containing the phosphorylated polysaccharides produced by lactic acid bacteria as an effective ingredient. The phosphorylated polysaccharides are expressed, for example, by the following formula and contained in the compositions for fair-skin at concentrations of 0.01-20 weight % and are used such as creams, emulsions and toilet lotions.The compositions for fair-skin exhibit fair-skin effect by inhibiting activities to melanoma proliferation and melanin formation. ##STR1## (wherein, Glc, Gal and Rha represent glucose, galactose and rhamnose residues, respectively. Numerals shown by other than subscript represent the respective binding sites and n represents the degree of polymerization of 1,000-5,000).