Application of Lactobacillus fermentum HL57 and Pediococcus acidilactici SP979 as potential probiotics in the manufacture of traditional Iberian dry-fermented sausages.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of implanting the probiotics Lactobacillus fermentum HL57 and P. acidilactici SP979 during manufacture of Iberian dry-fermented sausages, and their effect on the sensory properties of these meat products. Microbial counts were studied in sausages inoculated with these strains and compared with a control batch. To detect the presence of probiotic strains at high counts (>7 log CFU/g) in the inoculated sausages, specific PCR and (RAPD)-PCR techniques were carried out. Changes due to probiotic inoculations on parameters and compounds related to fermentation, and nitrogen and lipid fractions were determined, and the impact on sensory quality evaluated by descriptive and hedonic tests. Iberian dry-fermented sausages inoculated with L. fermentum HL57 and P. acidilactici SP979 may be considered as functional products according to the counts of these strains found at the end of processing. However, inoculation with L. fermentum HL57 increased the amount of acetic acid and lipid degradation products such as malonaldehyde in Iberian dry-fermented sausages, resulting in a negative impact on relevant sensory parameters related to colour and taste. On the contrary, P. acidilactici SP979 did not notably modify the physicochemical parameters or the sensory quality of Iberian dry-fermented sausages when compared to the autochthonous microbial population present in the control batch.