Thermal death parameters of Lactobacillus paracasei var. paracasei (C 1096) and Aspergillus niger (CM896) were determined in Pilsen beer (pH = 4.28 and percentage of alcohol by volume = 4.97%) for an initial cell concentration of 1 X 10(4) Cells/ml. Values of D-60 degreesC = 0.02 min and z = 6.49 degreesC were determined for L. paracasei var. paracasei (C1096) and values of D-60 degreesC = 0.04 min and z = 3.71 degreesC were obtained for A. niger (CM896). (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.