For thermal inactivation of germinated spores in poultry meat, samples were heat treated (80 C, 10 min) to activate bacterial spores and then incubated for 15, 30 and 60 min in a water bath at 55 C. Meat samples were then placed in a water bath at 80 or 90 C for 10 and 20 min and then cooled on ice for 10 min. For pressureassisted thermal inactivation of germinated spores, meat samples were heat treated (80 C,10 min), incubated in a water bath at 55 C for 15 and 30 min.