Hurdle technology is consisting in using in the same time several factors to improve the sensorial
characteristics of a product and to obtain a safe product. The most common hurdles are pH, temperature, water
activity and preservatives. This technology was applied to a bologna type sausage by lowering the pH, by extending the
heat treatment and by reducing the amount of nitrite used. The results showed that this method is useful to reduce the
amount of residual nitrite and the chemical contamination with nitrite.