Lactic Culture Inocula Required to Inhibit Staphylococci in Sterile Milk

The addition of between .1 and .01% of an active lactic culture blend, composed of Streptococcus strains AMz and ML s (2:1 v/v), to milk was sufficient to inhibit growth and toxin production during 24 h at 32 C by four Staphylococcus aureus strains capable of producing enterotoxins A, B, C, and D. Inhibitory properties were independent of H2Oz and nisin. An unidentifiable dialyzable component (s) was developed in addition to acidic metabolites. Staphylococcal growth and toxin development were also checked when pH was controlled at 6.0.