Effect of Sodium Chloride Concentration, Water Activity, Fermentation Method and Drying Time on the Viability of Trichinella spiralis in Genoa Salami

Abstract

Pork from pigs experimentally infected with Trichinella spiralis was used to manufacture Genoa salami. In Experiment I, Genoa salami was formulated to include: (a) in-going sodium chloride of 2.00 or 3.33% based on raw meat weight; (b) either commercial starter culture or no starter culture and held for fermentation at either 35°C (95°F) or 46.1 °C (115°F). Lower water activity (a_w) was found (Pw values than did that made with no or 1.67% salt. The salt content and drying time interaction was greatest in salami made with 3.33% salt. The 3.33% salt content also appeared to exert a definite effect on trichina viability.