Foul Odor in Refrigerator or Freezer: A Food Safety Issue
A bad smell in the refrigerator or freezer could signal a potential food safety issue, according to a Kansas State University food safety specialist.
Karen Blakeslee, coordinator of K-State’s Rapid Response Center for food science, notes that spoiled food can lead to a large amount of bacterial growth, and cooking these foods may not destroy those high levels of bacteria.
Spoiled food can spill or leak into the interior of the appliance and is difficult to impossible to remove.
Food residues from spills or leaking packages of food can lead to cross-contamination with other foods. It's essential to clean thoroughly and remove any questionable food before it poses a health risk.
Author's summary: Bad smells in appliances can indicate food safety issues.