Cheeseburger Watch 2010: Day 28

Very interesting experiment! There are several different components here - bun, beef patty, cheese slice, condiments and packaging. Every component will behave differently in terms of aging and growth of micro-organisms (not just bacteria). Humidity and temperature are very important, and so is handling (do you wear gloves when you open the wrapper to take a picture?)

Having said that, it is interesting that you don't see any sign of mold or rotting smell. I would have expected at least the bun to mold unless the packaging kept all the moisture out.

I am intrigued!

TwinToddlersDad

The bun will NOT mold if it's exposed to air. It will only mold if humidity surrounds it (i.e. in a plastic bag)

Jeep Girl

ok, but what about the bugs? flys? anything? I remember the article about margarine, and will not eat it, ever. and that makes me wonder why has a cheesburger thats been sitting out like this not attracted any bugs? not saying your house is buggy, but not even a fruit fly???

Terry

I was going to say the same thing about the bun - bread left out in the open becomes rock hard, but doesn't tend to mold. Encased in a plastic bag, as most bread is, it will mold, although that takes longer than going stale in a less-humid environment.

JustARat

My dad dropped a MacDs fry and a lil horde of ants swamped to it... two hours later they were all on and around the fry and dead... ALL DEAD.

M