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Can rotten food flavor other food that's kept near it?

One of my former roommates left a bag of citrus fruit in a bin at the bottom of a refrigerator I don't use often. It was beyond gross when I found it- all out green, smelly, and split open. I got rid or it right away and cleaned it up, but now every time I get something out of the adjacent freezer, I can taste the yuck from the fruit. My son can't taste it and thinks I'm nuts. O_o I'm not crazy, am I? This is a thing, right? 

Posted - December 5, 2016
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Responses


  • I won't say you're nuts, but I'm thinking maybe it's just you. We've probably all had forgotten-about moldy fruit in the crisper. I haven't even noticed food in the same crisper tasting badly, from the spoiled fruit. Course, it does happen, I know, but, in the freezer.........I doubt it. This post was edited by Benedict Arnold at December 6, 2016 1:36 PM MST
      December 5, 2016 8:59 PM MST
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  • 53509

    It's probably a combination of reality and imagination in how you're perceiving it.  The senses, especially when stimulated as yours were in this instance, can replay seemingly indelible reminders.  You'll be fine.


    (That will be $75 co-pay, please.  See the receptionist on your way out, and we do validate parking.)

    ~

    This post was edited by Randy D at December 6, 2016 1:37 PM MST
      December 5, 2016 9:35 PM MST
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  • 46117
    Heck yeah.    The "fumes" can flavor anything around it, especially if both are in an enclosed space like the fridge.  Think rotten eggs sitting next to some homemade vanilla pudding.  Not a good idea. 
      December 5, 2016 11:36 PM MST
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  • No it's not you.   Rotting food releases volatiles that permeate and infuse other foods.  I know exactly what you mean and have experienced it myself.  It's gross.
      December 6, 2016 3:13 AM MST
    2