Freshly prepared packages of hummus of varying compositions (a total of four
differing in pH and/or addition of a preservative) were transported cold to the laboratory
from the factory. Each formulation was designated as T1, T2, T3 and T4 (Table 1). Two
batches were setup for testing. Batch 1 consisted of tubs of each formulation that was
aseptically inoculated with a fungal mixture to 100 CFU/g. Batch 2: consisted of intact
hummus samples as received. The two batches were further divided into storage
temperatures: 20o C (accelerated testing) and 4o C (recommended storage temperature).
The key variations in the four different hummus formulations are presented in Table 1,
below.