The survival of Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC 13311) heated and recovered in media with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5% (w/w) added sodium chloride was investigated. A protective effect in the heating medium and an inhibitory effect in the recovery medium were observed. The results showed an interaction between the effect on, D(58 degrees C) values, of sodium chloride concentration in both media. Lower concentration in the heating media led to a greater effect of the sodium chloride concentration in the recovery media. When the sodium chloride concentration was the same in both media, the protective effect exerted in the heating media dominated over its inhibitory effect in the recovery media.