The effect of various physico-chemical factors on production of intra- and extracellular phospholipase A1 by Salmonella newport was investigated. Maximum intracellular enzyme levels were observed when cells were grown in brain heart infusion broth, after 12 h of incubation at 37 degrees C. Highest level of extracellular phospholipase A1, however, was seen in synthetic medium (pH 7.0) after 24 h of incubation at 37 degrees C. Agitation during incubation had no effect on the intracellular enzyme synthesis but enhanced extracellular enzyme levels. Addition of surfactants to the growth media significantly decreased both intra- and extracellular phospholipase A1 production.