Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were identified as major spoilage populations of vacuum-packaged emulsiontype sausages and other processed meats stored at refrigeration temperatures (Borch et al., 1996; Korkeala and Bj . orkroth, 1997; Samelis et al., 2000). As a result of LAB activities, sour off-flavors and off-odors, milky exudates, swelling of the pack, and/or greenish color can be observed. The rate of spoilage is affected by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as the composition, water activity, packaging method, and storage temperature. The dominance of LAB is unaltered by the chill temperature used during extended storage periods (Korkeala et al., 1989). Controlling the progress of spoilage in processed meats is difficult as these bacteria are psychotropic, microaerophilic, and