Abstract: The invention relates to the field of exopolysaccharide producing lactic acid bacteria. The invention relates to methods and culture media for producing large amounts of exopolysaccharides in safe and simple fermentation conditions. The invention more specifically relates to the characterization of a Streptococcus thermophilus ST 111 strain producing a stable high-molecular-mass heteropolysaccharide, its use in functional starter cultures and its use in food fermentation processes such as processes producing milk products, yoghurt and cheese for texture improvement and decreasing syneresis during fermentation and in the fermented product.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of bacteriocin producing microorganisms. The invention more specifically relates to the characterization of a novel food grade bacteriocin, namely a lantibiotic, named macedocin and produced by Streptococcus macedonicus ACA-DC 198. Macedocin inhibit a broad spectrum of lactic acid bacteria as well as several food spoilage and pathogenic bacteria, among others Clostridium tyrobutyricum, and is heat stable and active in a broad pH range. The invention further relates to the use of non-pathogenic microorganisms for producing macedocin in food fermentation processes, such as for preparing milk products, butter, cheese and fermented meat and vegetables, as well as in non-fermented food products such as raw meat, modified atmosphere-packed meat products, ready-to-eat meals, and canned food products, and its use for the preparation of functional starter cultures and cocultures.

Abstract: A method for regulating fermentation of organic material, such as cocoa beans and pulp is disclosed. The method includes adding at least one strain of lactic acid bacteria and/or acetic acid bacteria to the organic material. Optionally, at least one strain of yeast is added. Bacterial strains and compositions, useful in the described method, are also disclosed. The use of the described starter cultures and compositions permits faster fermentation, fermentations with targeted population dynamics and succession of microorganisms, and fermentations with targeted levels of both desirable and undesirable metabolites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of yoghurt or other fermented milk products, comprising the following steps: inoculation of a starter medium with a starter culture, said starter culture comprising an exopolysaccharide-producing micro-organism. An exopolysaccharide production step wherein the pH of said starter medium is kept stable at a predetermined pH value at a suitable temperature, and an acidification step to allow clotting of the starter medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of exopolysaccharide producing lactic acid bacteria. The invention relates to methods and culture media for producing large amounts of exopolysaccharides in safe and simple fermentation conditions. The invention more specifically relates to the characterization of a Streptococcus thermophilus ST 111 strain producing a stable high-molecular-mass heteropolysaccharide, its use in functional starter cultures and its use in food fermentation processes such as processes producing milk products, yoghurt and cheese for texture improvement and decreasing syneresis during fermentation and in the fermented product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of yoghurt or other fermented milk products, comprising the following steps: inoculation of a starter medium with a starter culture, said starter culture comprising an exopolysaccharide-producing micro-organism. An exopolysaccharide production step wherein the pH of said starter medium is kept stable at a predetermined pH value at a suitable temperature, and an acidification step to allow clotting of the starter medium.