Application of Lactobacillus paracasei LPC02 and lactulose as a potential symbiotic system in the manufacture of dry-fermented sausage

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how the incorporation of the probiotic culture Lactobacillus paracasei and the prebiotic lactulose in dry-fermented sausage affects the technological, microbiological and sensorial characteristics of the products. Four formulations were analyzed: CONT (without prebiotic or probiotic); PREB (with 2% lactulose); PROB (with 10(8) CFU/g of L. paracasei); and SYMB (with 2% lactulose and 10(8) CFU/g of L. paracasei). The functional ingredients did not affect (P > 0.05) the water activity, pH, moisture, acidity and lactic acid bacteria counts during ripening process. Lower (P < 0.05) residual nitrite values were observed in sausages added with probiotic (7.20 +/- 1.32 mg NO2/kg) than in the other treatments (11.38 +/- 3.21 mg NO2/kg). The proximate composition and the sensorial attributes were not affected (P > 0.05) by the treatments. A mean concentration of 2.16 +/- 0.39% of lactulose was observed in PREB and SYMB sausages and a count of 7.59 +/- 0.37 log CFU/g of L. paracasei was observe in PROB and SYMB sausages. The incorporation of lactulose and L. paracasei into this traditional meat product resulted in a potential probiotic and symbiotic salami, adding additional nutritional benefits for the consumer.