Inhibitory Activity of Lactic Acid Bacteria against Fungal Spoilage

Food spoilage by fungi is responsible for considerable food waste and economical losses. Among the food products, fermented dairy products are susceptible to deterioration due to the growth of fungi, which are resistant to low pH and can proliferate at low storage temperatures. For controlling fungal growth in dairy products, potassium sorbate and natamycin are the main preservatives used, and natamycin is approved by most countries for use in cheese surface treatment. However, a strong societal demand for less processed and preservative-free food has emerged. In the dairy products, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are naturally present or used as cultures and play a key role in the fermentation process. Fermentation is a natural preservation technique that improves food safety, nutritional value, and specific organoleptic features. Production of organic acids is one of the main features of the LAB used for outcompeting organisms that cause spoilage, although other mechanisms such as antifungal peptides obtained from the cleavage of food proteins and competition for nutrients also play a role. More studies for better understanding these mechanisms are required to increase antifungal LAB available in the market.