RESUMO
One of the most important problems of Kashar cheese producers is mold and yeast spoilage during storage. Williopsis saturnus var. saturnus killer yeast has been reported to have an antagonistic effect on mold and yeast reproduction. In this study, the antifungal effect of a whey protein concentrate (WPC) coating containing W. saturnus was investigated in Kashar cheese. WPC with or without W. saturnus (7 log CFU/g) or W. saturnus without coating was applied on the surface of Kashar cheese samples and stored at 4 °C for 56 days. Microbiological, chemical, physical and sensory properties of cheese samples were assessed. After 56 days of storage, the numbers of lactic acid bacteria were not affected by WPC containing W. saturnus; however, the population of W. saturnus increased by 1 log CFU/g. Application of W. saturnus reduced the growth of other yeasts and molds (P < 0.05). Chemical, physical and sensory properties of all coated cheeses remained unchanged. In a conclusion, use of WPC coatings containing W. saturnus can potentially minimize mold and yeast spoilage of cheese during storage.
