Impact of whey protein coating incorporated with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus on sliced ham properties

The edible coatings incorporating the probiotic strains inhibited detectable growth of Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacteriaceae and yeasts/molds, at least, for 45 days of storage at 4 °C. The sensory evaluation demonstrated that there was a preference for the sliced coated ham. Probiotic bacteria viable cell numbers were maintained at ca. 108 CFU/g throughout storage time, enabling the slice of ham to act as a suitable carrier for the beneficial bacteria.