Enterococci bacteria are commonly used in the production of raw ewes’ and goats’
milk cheeses. They contribute to proteolysis, lipolysis, and citrate breakdown, and
thereby influence ripened cheese taste and flavor. E. faecium has been shown to be
a good starter adjunct in the production of Cheddar cheese. Gardiner et al.66 showed
that 9 months after adding 2 × 107 CFU/mL (0.1%) E. faecium PR88 to a commercial
lactococcal starter, 3 × 108 CFU/g were viable. Cheese with the added bacteria
was found to have increased proteolysis and higher levels of some odor-active
compounds. The Cheddar cheese containing the E. faecium was judged (by a commercial
grader) to be ripening faster and had a better flavor than the control cheese.
This study confirmed previous reports about the positive effects of enterococci on
ripening and flavor development in Cheddar cheese.67–69
Enterococci bacteria have also been found on beef, poultry, and pig carcasses;
cooked pork; and vegetables, especially olives. Their presence does not necessarily
imply contamination by fecal material.70