Erythritol synth. via bacterias?

I have read that erythritol, a low cal. sugar substitute, is synthetized via fermentation of ...[I don't know]... with the action of bacterias or fungus.
I have to receive confirm about this process and how it work, what bacterias used, where to get they, and if the bacterias (I hope) are not dangerous.

Thanx for help.

A quick google turned this up.
"There are two methods of preparing erythritol. One is through chemical synthesis and another is through fermentation. The chemical method is expensive, the yield is low and other side products are produced. A commercial fermentation process employing a fungus, Moniliella pollinis, was developed capable of producing highly purified erythritol. This process drastically reduces the manufacturing cost of erythritol and makes it commercially available for the first time."

Here is the site it is origionally from.
http://ift.confex.com/ift/2000/techprogram/paper_1395.htm

Also, more info on erythritol.

[Edited on 12-7-2004 by rogue chemist]