Question

Which microbe is responsible for producing carbon dioxide that forms the characteristic large holes in Swiss cheese?

Options

• Penicillium roqueforti

• Streptococcus lactis

• Penicillium camemberti

• Propionibacterium shermanii

Answer 1

Propionibacterium shermanii is the bacterium involved in Swiss cheese ripening that produces carbon dioxide (CO₂). The CO₂ gas becomes trapped in the cheese during ripening, forming the characteristic large holes that are distinctive of Swiss cheese.