Increase in C. perfringens spore germination and outgrowth by 4.20 log CFU/g was observed in ham (control) that was stored for 24 h subsequent to preparation (prior to heat treatment and cooling) and subsequently cooled within 15 h. Similar increases in C. perfringens spore germination and outgrowth were observed in ham (stored for 24 h subsequent to preparation) containing NaNO2 and a combination of NaNO2 and sodium erythorbate subsequent to abusive cooling