Safety of Kimchi

Abstract Kimchi is the traditional and well-known ethnic fermented food in Korea. There are various types of Kimchi, depending on various raw materials and processing methods. Kimchi cabbage and radish are the most widely used as main ingredients. Kimchi is characterized by its palatability as giving sour, sweet, and carbonated tastes. Fermentation of Kimchi is carried out by various microorganisms present in the raw materials. Among lactic acid bacteria, the genera Leuconostoc , Weissella, and Lactobacillus are believed to be the key players in Kimchi fermentation. Kimchi is recognized as a health food because of its physiologic nutrients and phytochemicals, as well as probiotics such as lactic acid bacteria. In addition, many health benefits of Kimchi have been reported such as antioxidant, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, and antihypertensive activities. Kimchi is also regarded as a hygienically safe food because pathogenic bacteria and contaminations are almost completely removed during its preparation and fermentation.