Nonconventional starter cultures of coagulase‐negative staphylococci to produce animal‐derived fermented foods, a SWOT analysis

• Published in: Journal of applied microbiology Vol. 125; no. 6; pp. 1570 - 1586
• Main Authors: Stavropoulou, D.A., De Vuyst, L., Leroy, F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Oxford University Press 01-12-2018
• Subjects: Animal-based foods; Coagulase; Consortia; Decision analysis; Ecosystems; Fermentation; Fermented food; fermented foods; Flavor; Food; food preservation; food processing; Food processing industry; Food production; Food safety; Microorganisms; Skin; staphylococci; Starter cultures; SWOT analysis; Threat evaluation; staphylococci; fermentation; fermented foods; food processing; food preservation
• ISSN: 1364-5072; 1365-2672
• DOI: 10.1111/jam.14054

Summary
Coagulase‐negative staphylococci (CNS) are ubiquitous micro‐organisms that are commonly present on animal skin and animal‐derived foods. They are members of the beneficial microbial consortia of several fermented food products where they contribute to quality. Currently, only a few CNS species are included in commercial starter cultures, although many other ones with promising properties have been isolated from diverse food ecosystems. In the present study, a Strengths‐Weaknesses‐Opportunities‐Threats (SWOT) analysis of the potential use of unconventional CNS starter cultures for the fermentation of animal‐derived foods is carried out. An overview of both their desirable and worrisome metabolic traits is given. In general, the application of innovative CNS‐based starter cultures offers opportunities to modulate flavour, improve the safety and health aspects and develop novel colour development strategies for clean label products. Yet, their implementation is often not straightforward as nontrivial obstacles or threats are encountered, which relate to technological, food safety and legal concerns. As most of the desirable and undesirable characteristics of CNS species are strain dependent, a case‐by‐case evaluation is needed when evaluating specific strains for their potential use as novel starter cultures.