Large salami such as Milano style with excellent quality and safety ca
n be produced by limiting the amount of sugar, using actively fermenti
ng Lactobacillus plantarum and seeding the surface with deacidifying m
ould. Limiting the amount of sugar, while permitting rapid acidificati
on, controls the final pH. This inhibits undesirable bacteria includin
g pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus. Mould growth on the surface
of the salami increases pH during curing to enhance quality.