Italian salami were sonicated in different times (0, 3, 6 and 9 min) using ultrasound bath (US, 25 kHz). The effect of sonication on microbial growth (lactic acid bacteria and Micrococcaceae), lipid and protein oxidation, total heme pigments (THP), non heme iron (NHI) and metmyoglobin (MMb) was investigated during processing (0, 2, 15, and 28 days) and storage (1, 30, and 120 days). US enhanced growth of microorganisms (P < 0.05), mainly for the treatment 9 min of sonication. The lipid (peroxide value and TBARS) and protein (thiol group) oxidative reactions were accelerated by US (P < 0.05) and they should be considered to maintain Italian salami quality. Sonication contributed to maintenance of THP (P < 0.05), especially during storage. MMb pigment was not affected by sonication (P > 0.05). This study presented some features of US application that could be explored in the manufacture of Italian salami.