In this study the growth potential (δ) of Listeria monocytogenes in six formulations of probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus
and Bifidobacterium lactis) reduced-sodium cottage cheese containing or not NaCl, combined with KCl
and/or MgCl2 stored under different temperature conditions was assessed. Reduced-sodium cottage cheeses
were inoculated with L. monocytogenes (approximately 103 CFU/g) and then stored at 4 °C (I), 30% of the shelf
life at 4 °C and the remaining 70% at 12 °C (II) and 12 °C (III) for 28 days. A growth potential (δ) above
0.5 log CFU/g indicated that the formulation was capable of supporting the growth of L. monocytogenes. The
growth potential (δ) of L.monocytogenes at 4 °C (I) was between 0.5 and 0.8 log CFU/g. Higher growth potentials
(1.1–1.6 log CFU/g)were observedwhen the cottage cheeseswere stored for 30% of the shelf life at 4 °C followed
by storage for 70% at 12 °C (II). In the scenario III (28 days at 12 °C), L. monocytogenes was only able to grow in the
formulationwith 100% NaCl and no probiotics (F1), while in F2–F6 (probiotic formulations with different combinations
of NaCl, KCl, MgCl2) the populations of this bacterium were below the quantification level (b1 log CFU/g). Independent
of the storage scenarios studied, strict conditions of hygiene during processing and use of raw materials
of excellentmicrobiological quality are key-factors for ensuring the safety of this product as L. monocytogenes will be
able to grow at low storage temperature