Traditional and ethnic foods are closely related to cultural identity and heritage, and the distinction between them has become very subtle with globalization. Meat is a common ingredient, and fermentation of meat is a very popular process originally developed for extending shelf life. Presently, meat fermentation is considered a tool to enhance the functional value of meat products and increase food safety, thereby reducing foodborne diseases. In addition to the process of fermentation, the use of protective cultures is a technology of great interest, whether based on natural or added microorganisms, which by producing acidic metabolites and/or antimicrobial peptides prevent the growth of pathogens. Epidemiologic data on the safety of traditional foods are available, but scientific documentation is lacking for ethnic foods. European Union regulations for traditional foods have improved but are still complicated, whereas ethnic foods have no dedicated regulations.