Abstract
Takju is a traditional alcoholic beverage that has been prepared by fermenting the cooked rice and Nuruk (Korean-style bran koji). During fermentation. bacterial contamination is a problem which inhibits the growth of yeast and thus lowers the ethanol production from starch of rice, and causes souring. Major contaminants were known to be gram-positive acid producers at the early stage of fermentation. This problem would be solved if the contaminated bacteria could be controlled. Nisin, a GRAS-grade preservative, was added at the level of 500 iu/g as it retards the growth of the gram-positive bacteria. It was possible to control acid and ethanol production during fermentation. This process increased the ethanol production by 2 % comparing with control.