INTRODUCTION
The lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a broad group of grampositive,
catalase-negative, non-sporing rods and cocci,
usually non-motile that utilize carbohydrates
fermentatively and form lactic acid as the major end
product (Aguirre and Collins, 1993). With occasional
exception, they are aerotolerant. Several members of the
lactic acid bacteria are well known for their ability to act
as preservative agents in food products such as
sauerkraut, fermented cereal gruels and legumes
(Steinkraus et al., 1983). In such food products, LAB has
the capacity to perform fermentative activities, which may
result in active inhibition of spoilage and pathogenic
bacteria. This inhibition is partly due to the production of
fermentation end products such as lactic acid, diacetyl,
acetaldehyde and acetic acid, which may accumulate to
inhibitory levels in certain foods and beverages.