The ripening process of fermented sausages is affected by diameter and type of sausage casings, and depends on changes in the
microflora, important from hygienic and technological aspects. The aim of this study was to compare the bacteriological status
sausages which were stuffed in artificial collagen sausage casings of different diameters (35 mm and 60 mm) during ripening and
drying. The sausage stuffing was the same, as was the uncontrolled ripening conditions. In bigger diameter sausages,
significantly higher average total bacterial count, enterobacteria and lactic acid bacteria counts were found than in smaller
diameter sausages.