The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of autochthonous selected starter cultures on the
growth and development of fortuitous flora and food pathogens for the production of two traditional
dry-fermented products, salchichón and chorizo, in two different ripening processes. Three strains of
Pediococcus acidilactici (MC184, MS198 and MS200) and one of Staphylococcus vitulus (RS34) which
possess desirable technological properties were associated to prepare three starter cultures: P184S34,
P198S34 and P200S34. Then salchichón and chorizo were prepared following two different
manufacturing procedures. The use of these starter cultures decreased the “spontaneous” flora growing
in the traditional fermented products and constituted an additional improvement to the microbial safety
by reducing Enterobacteriaceae proliferation at the beginning of the ripening process. An effect against
food-borne pathogens was also observed. Hence the three inoculated autochthonous starter cultures can
be used as protective agents.