Growth of 'Staphylococcus aureus' and Fungi in Beef Snacks at Various Levels of Water Activity

摘要

Plain (type I) and spiced (type II) beef snacks are components of military rations. They were evaluated to determine the ability of S. aureus and selected fungi to grow in them at various water activity (aw) levels. S. aureus did not grow in type I beef snack at aw 0.93 or lower, but it did grow in type II beef snack at aw 0.92 and 0.94 with the elaboration of enterotoxin at aw 0.94. Indigenous microflora grew in type I beef snack at aw 0.93, but not at 0.90 or lower. In type II beef snack, indigenous microflora grew at aw 0.88 and above. Fungi did not grow in either type of beef snack of aw levels between 0.71 and 0.88.