Thermophilic aerobacillus from banana puree.

Bacillus licheniformis was isolated from spoiled cans of banana purée. The isolate proved to be a thermophilic gas former which causes soft swell in cans of nonacidic food. Thermal resistance of the spores was examined. Heat treatment for at least 90 to 100 sec at 230 F was found necessary to assure commercial sterility of canned banana purée at pH 4.5.