Effects of probiotic strains, Lactobacillus plantarum TN8 and Pediococcus acidilactici, on microbiological and physico-chemical characteristics of beef sausages

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of a combination of probiotic strains namely, Lactobacillus plantarum TN8 and Pediococcus acidilactici MA 18/5M and dietary fiber on microbiological and physico-chemical characteristics of sausages stored at 4 °C up to 12 days. L. plantarum TN8 might be a potential food additive in the meat industry as a probiotic agent. Microbial counts revealed a decrease in Enterobacteriaceae of inoculated sausages, which reached values below 2 log CFU/g in the stored product. Reformulated sausages recorded good textural attributes and improved sensory features. At the end of storage period, sausages with different probiotic strains decreased the b* color parameter and cooking loss when compared with control samples. Sensorial and color parameters could be used for constructing regression models to predict overall acceptability. On the other hand, the free fatty acid profile was significantly affected by probiotic strains. Overall, the inclusion of two probiotic strains and fiber improved the hygienic quality and sensorial features of sausages.This research was funded by the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (LRCBS05), and by a bilateral project between Tunisia and Morocco (17TM06).Peer Reviewe