Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 May 2009
A significant proportion of a consignment of branded Parma Ham was found to have ‘blown’ tins; the associated bacterial flora was therefore investigated. No Salmonella or Shigella were found. Clostridium welchii type A and Clostridium bifermentans were isolated in moderate numbers only from enrichment cultures of the ham. Staphylococcus spp. and coryneform bacteria were obtained from all tins and Group D streptococci were present in a few. No food-poisoning cases were associated with this ham.