7. Level and survival of L. acidophilus and bifidobacteria
in bio-yogurt
L. acidophilus and B. bifidum have to retain viability
and activity in the food carrier to meet the suggested
‘therapeutic minimum’ at the time of consumption
(Playne, 1994). It is essential that products sold with
any health claims meet this criterion. Viability of
probiotic bacteria in products over a long shelf life at
refrigeration temperature is reported to be unsatisfactory
(Rybka a Kailasapathy, 1995; Dave a Shah,
1997a).