LOCATING NISIN-PRODUCING LACTOCOCCUS-LACTIS IN A FERMENTED MEAT SYSTEM

Antibody-linked probes were used to locate nisin in a fermented meat s ystem. Free nisin or nisin bound to susceptible cells or food componen ts was not detected. Colonies of nisin-producing Lactococcus lactis we re stained at all times during growth. The position of nisin-producing L. lactis colonies was noted and compared with the location of spoila ge organisms or the distribution of areas with a fermented meat appear ance. No relationship between the distribution of starter culture and the location of spoilage organisms or areas of fermentation was observ ed. In addition to the presence of L. lactis, a rapidly fermentable su gar was also required to obtain a fermented appearance and to reduce t he levels of spoilage organisms.