A new product, pork sticks, was developed. Optimum shelf life and safety were major concerns associated with this product. Potassium lactate (3%) or citric acid (0.5%, 0.56%, 0.60% or 0.66%) was added to pork sticks to determine their effects on microbial growth, sensory evaluation, and shelf life when stored frozen (-20°C), refrigerated (2°C), or at room temperature (22°C). Two raw materials, pork blade meat (shoulder meat; 91% lean, 9% fat) and regular 80:20 pork trim (80% lean, 20% fat) were used. The consumer panel preferred lean pork sticks made from blade meat over high-fat pork sticks made from regular 80:20 pork trim, regardless of the addition of potassium lactate (3%) or citric acid (0.5%). Pork sticks vacuum-packaged and held at 2°C or -20°C did not develop bacterial spoilage during six months storage. However, bacterial spoilage and oxidative rancidity occurred in the unpackaged control samples held at 22°C for one month. Incorporation of potassium lactate (3%) or citric acid (0.5%) decreased the color uniformity and red color intensity and increased the brown color intensity of the pork sticks made from blade meat. Vacuum-packaged pork sticks with added citric acid (0.56%, 0.60% and 0.66%) stored at 22°C did not develop bacterial spoilage, but discoloration occurred after one month storage.