Enterotoxin production by Staphylococcus aureus (A, B, C, D) during the ripening of sucuk (Turkish dry-fermented sausage)

This study was conducted to determine the capability of Staphylococcus aureus to produce toxins in Turkish sucuk. For this purpose, the ability of four different reference strains of S. aureus (i.e., SEA 10652 FDA 196E, SEB 10654 FDA 243, SEC 10655 137, and SED 10656 494) to produce A-, B-, C-, and D-type toxins, respectively, was investigated during the fermentation period of Turkish sucuk by inoculating sucuk batter with these strains at 10(5) CFU/g level. As a result, no SEA, SEB, and SEC toxins were detected in the A, B, and C groups, respectively, during fermentation. In group D, SED was detected after 24 h and at the 3, 7, and 12 days of ripening. In conclusion, these results indicate that Turkish sucuk may pose an important health risk related to possible contamination with S. aureus (SED) during the production processes.