the present invention relates to a process for the production of organic acids by biologically hydrolysing the corresponding nitriles . this process is distinguished by the fact that the nitrile in aqueous solution is subjected to the action of bacteria showing nitrilasic activity , preferably selected from the species : bacillus , bacteridium as defined by prevot , micrococcus and brevibacterium as defined by bergey . the process according to the invention can be used in particular for the production of racemic lactic acid .