decrease in pH. Thus, the dominance of LAB is likely to contribute to the inhibition of other microorganisms. The number of micrococci with an initial level of 106 cfu/ g decreased to less than 102 cfu/g at 48 h, possibly due to decrease in pH and oxygen limitation. Yeast and mold also decreased rapidly in which their counts were less than 102 cfu/g within 24–36 h. However, an increase in yeast count was subsequently observed only in LC106 after 48 h. Micrococci/staphylococci and yeasts, in spite of their lower number compared to LAB, played a significant role in producing the characteristic pigmen- tation (Vernam & Sutherland, 1995) and the production of flavour compounds (Coretti, 1977). It is believed that yeast delays rancidity and protects the red nitroso- myoglobin from breakdown by degrading peroxides and consuming oxygen thus stabilising the appealing red colour of fermented sausages (Lucke & Hechelmann,
1987). Unlike staphylococci and Candida utilis, D. hansenii does not reduce nitrate to the colour generating nitrite (Barnett, Payne, & Yarrow, 1990).