Beta-D-galactosidase from Lactobacillus lactis 447 derived from recombinant E. coli MC 4100 was purified and characterized. Physico-chemical properties of the enzyme were compared with those of beta-D-galactosidases from a naturally occuring L. lactis 447 and a overproducing E. coli strain. 10.8-fold purification of the enzyme was achieved following its isolation. The Michaelis constant for beta-D-galactosidase was found to be 1.69 x 10(-4) mol. l(-1), optimum pH was about pH 7 and optimum temperature ranged from 50-degrees-C to 54-degrees-C. The enzyme proved to be thermally stable at 50-degrees-C.