The effect of different starter cultures in the processing of goat meat fermented sausages was evaluated by using pH, water activity and lactic acid production besides sensory acceptance and safety of final products were determined. Commercial starter cultures containing 1. Staphylococcus xylosus and Pediococcus pentosaceus; 2. a mixture (50:50) of two strains of Pediococcus sp 3. Lactobacillus farciminis, Staphylococcus xylosus and Staphylococcus carnosus were tested. During processing, fermented sausages containing the different starter cultures showed distinct behaviour in relation to pH, water activity and lactic acid production, although sensory acceptance did not present significative differences. The safety of products evaluated by calculation of hours-degree in obtaining the products indicated that all tested cultures resulted in safe products in relation to Staphylococcus aureus growth. Results showed that all tested cultures can be used for processing of goat meat fermented sausages.
fermented sausage; goat meat; starter culture
