The viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis in fermented milks A, B and AB, containing respectively these strains separately and mixed, was studied over 21 days of storage at 5°C. Samples were analysed for titratable acidity and viable cell counts of probiotics. Milks A and AB showed post-acidification mainly due to the β-galactosidase activity of L. acidophilus . Generally, the viability of the probiotics decreased during storage, whereas, in some cases, the proteoletic activity of L. acidophilus resulted in a higher survival rate of the probiotics even with the adverse effects of low temperature and organic acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]