Food Is Having The Smell Of Ammonia. What Could Be The Reason?

Posted on Sun, 4 Aug 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 4 Aug 2013 Answered on

Sat, 31 Aug 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Why does my food smell of ammonia

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (1 hour later)

Hi and thanks for the query,

Food could smell of ammonia if it is "poisoned" with an ammonia containing substance, or when the food is spoiled. Examples of foods that easily get spoiled producing ammonia smells include cheat, meat containing substances. Sea foods could also smell as such when spoiled.

However, certain health condition could also produce this sensation. Chronic and untreated conditions of the paranasal sinuses ( chronic sinusitis) or psychological conditions like anxiety could give false impressions of such smells.

I strongly suggest the opinion of first an ENT specialist for a complete past medical history and clinical examination. Anxiety, food spoilage and chronic sinus infections however are common causes. The durations and specific circumstances and trigger factors under which you experience this most could help in the evaluation process.

Thanks and hope this helps. Wishing you good health. Do not hesitate asking further questions if need be.

Kind regards,

Bain LE, MD.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar