Mean value of APCs were 3.5 log CFU/g (stage 4 in Fig. 2) in steamed raw materials (steaming process: >100 °C for 30-60 min). The APCs then increased significantly (P< 0.05) in the base of the fermentation (mean 78 log CFU/g, stage 5) after the addition of Nuruk (mold bran) and Koji (Aspergillus spp.). This is attributed to the incubation period at 25-30 °C for 2-3 days to facilitate growth of yeast and fungi. High APCs were maintained throughout the primary (mean 8.3 log CFU/ml) and secondary (mean 8.9 log CFUI ml) fermentation stages 6-10.