For this purpose, chorizo, a traditional high-acid (pH < 5.5) dry-fermented sausage highly consumed in Spain and Portugal,was selected. We have analysed the typical microbiota (lactic acid bacteria, Gram-positive catalase-positive cocci, and also Enterobacteriaceae),the volatile profile and the residual levels of nitrate/
nitrite in chorizo manufactured with the maximum amount currently allowed by the EU regulations, and with a 25% and 50% reduction.