Table 1. Antimicrobial spectrum of four types of kefir fermented for 24, 36, 48, or 72 h against eight food pathogens and spoilage bacteria

Kefir Fermentation time (h) pH Inhibition profile1),2)
BC SA LM EF EC SE PA CS
A 24 4.05 + +
36 3.86 ++ +
48 3.81 ++ + ++
72 3.70 ++ + + ++ +
L 24 3.99 ++ +
36 3.77 ++ + ++
48 3.71 ++ + ++ +
72 3.64 ++ + ++ ++ ++
M 24 3.97 ++ + +
36 3.81 ++ ++ +
48 3.77 ++ + ++ + ++ +
72 3.74 ++ ++ + + ++ ++
S 24 3.94 ++ +
36 3.77 ++ + + +
48 3.75 ++ + + ++
72 3.65 ++ + ++ ++ ++
Lactic acid solution (pH 3.5) +
Acetic acid solution (pH 3.5) +
Ethyl alcohol solution (2% w/w)