Microbiological analysis
Total Viable Counts (TVCs) , Lactic Acid Bacteria, Micrococcaceae, moulds and yeasts were determined (log CFU g–1). The samples were weighed with a sterile tweezers into masticator bags and blended with peptone water in a masticator (IUL Instruments, GMBH, Königswinter, Germany). The bags used for microbiological analyses were aseptically manipulated inside a microbiology cabinet . Total Viable Counts were counted on PCA (Plate Count Agar) after incubation at 30°C for 72 h (ISO 4833, 2003). Lactic acid bacteria were counted on MRS Agar plates and incubated at 30°C for 72 h in a ST 6120 culture incubator (Heraeus).