Cocoa beans consistently underwent spontaneous fermentation due
to the growth of naturally associated yeasts and bacteria. Preliminary
experiments were conducted to determine if Natamycin (50, 100 and
200 ppm) would prevent the growth of yeasts associated with these
fermentations. Fermentations with 100 and 200 ppm of Natamycin
showed no yeast growth after 6–8 days, whereas yeasts were not entirely
suppressed in fermentationswith 50 ppmof Natamycin. Changes
in the pH of the cocoa bean pulp and nibswere similar for fermentations
with 100 and 200 ppmof Natamycin. The growth profiles of total bacteria
were similar for fermentations in the presence of either 100 or
200 ppm of Natamycin. It was decided to use 200 ppm of Natamycin
in subsequent fermentations.