INHIBITION OF THE PROLIFERATION OF THE BA CTERIOPHAGES OF LACTIC-ACIDBACTERIA IN MILK IN PRESENCE OF GLUCONODELTA-LACTONE

The antiphagic effect of glucono-delta-lactone (GDL) was studied by im pedance measurement, acidification and counting. Lactococci, thermophi lic lactic bacteria and their associated phages, and industrial mesoph ilic mixed strains with the corresponding cheesewheys containing phage s were tested. The antiphagic effect of GDL is shown either by a reduc tion of the acidification delay (phagic attack delay) or by a lack of delay (phagic attack inhibition), when bacteria, phages and GDL are br ought together. An activating effect of GDL on the growth of lactic ac id bacteria is observed. Systematic addition of GDL to milk could redu ce cheese making irregularity due to phage attacks.