Abstract: A composition for inhibiting the growth of bacteria in raw or processed meat products having a pH between about 6.0 and 6.5 stored at above freezing temperatures using an inorganic propionate salt which extends the shelf life of the meat is described. The salt is preferably sodium propionate or calcium propionate and is used in an amount less than about 1% by weight and preferably between about 0.05 and 0.5 percent by weight of the meat such that no flavor is imparted to the meat. Preferred dried compositions containing a bacteriocin from Pediococcus acidilactici and a propionate salt are also described.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the growth of bacteria in raw or processed meat products having a pH between about 6.0 and 6.5 stored at above freezing temperatures using an inorganic propionate salt which extends the shelf life of the meat is described. The salt is preferably sodium propionate or calcium propionate and is used in an amount less than about 1% by weight and preferably between about 0.05 and 0.5 percent by weight of the meat such that no flavor is imparted to the meat. Preferred dried compositions containing a bacteriocin from Pediococcus acidilactici and a propionate salt are also described.

Abstract: An improved method for inhibiting psychrotrophic bacteria in raw milk is described. The method uses a non-lactose fermenting strain of a lactobacillus to generate hydrogen peroxide which inhibits the psychrotrophic bacteria. A preferred strain is Lactobacillus casei subspecies alactosus NRRL-B-12344 which is a superior producer of hydrogen peroxide at 5.degree. to 8.degree. C.

Abstract: A bacterial composition including in admixture a lactic acid producing bacterium which produces diacetyl, particularly Streptococcus lactis subspecies diacetylactis and a Pediococcus which generates an antimicrobial metabolite at refrigeration temperatures which is used to inhibit psychrotrophic bacteria in a milk or cream based product without fermentation or significant increase in cell count is described. The composition preferably uses a Pediococcus pentosaceus which generates hydrogen peroxide as the metabolite.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting food-borne pathogen and spoilage microorganisms in processed foods using a Lactobacillus sp. which produces an antimicrobial substance at refrigeration temperatures is described. The method is particularly effective in inhibiting gas producing heterofermentative spoilage microorganisms, mold, food-borne pathogenic microorganisms, (Listeria and Salmonella) and phychrotrophic microorganisms which can occur in processed foods.

Abstract: A method for rapidly developing a red color in fermented meat using Streptococcus lactis subspecies diacetylactis is described. The method allows the red color to rapidly develop at a pH above about 5.3 for at least 10 hours and then optionally a faster lactic acid producing bacteria lowers the pH to below about 4.9. The result is a fermented meat with an appealing red color which rapidly develops during processing.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting psychrotrophic bacteria in milk products such as Cottage cheese, particularly cream dressed Cottage cheese, using a Pediococcus is disclosed. The inhibition is produced by antimicrobial metabolites generated in the food without fermentation by live Pediococcus.

Abstract: Streptococcus lactis subsp. diacetilactis mixed with nitrate reducing bacteria are used to produce a red color in cured meats. The meats contain a food grade preservative selected from nitrite, nitrate and mixtures thereof which allow the development of the red color in the meat.

Abstract: A method is described for producing fermented foods by generating lactic acid in the food using a culture having the rapid, low temperature fermentation characteristics of Lactobacillus casei NRRL-B-15,438 and a stimulatory food grade metal salt, wherein the culture has unique rapid low temperature fermentation characteristics and wherein starch is not fermented by the culture. In order to provide rapid fermentation, the stimulatory, food grade metal salt, usually a manganese salt, is provided in the food or the culture which is added to the food with the selected lactobacillus to accelerate fermentation. The cultures are particularly suited for the controlled fermentation of carbohydrates, naturally present in or added to the food to provide a selected final pH.

Abstract: Bacterial concentrates of cells of a Lactobacillus having the essential identifying characteristics of Lactobacillus sp. NRRL-B-15,036 which are useful for food fermentations are described. Lactobacillus sp. NRRL-B-15,036 ferments dextrose, but not sucrose or lactose, to produce lactic acid in the food. Lactobacillus sp. NRRL-B-15,036 is particularly useful for meat fermentations.