Metagenomes enriched with Virgibacillus are associated with a pink paste defect in an unpasteurized blue cheese.

Key Points

• This research aims to identify the relationship between Virgibacillus and the pink paste defect in blue cheese.
• Analyzed metagenomes from cheese samples with and without pink paste.
• Compared microbiome composition to discern the presence of Virgibacillus.
• Virgibacillus was significantly enriched in pink paste samples.
• Comparative analysis showed its absence in unaffected paste.