Should Offices Ban Smelly Foods?

Sitting at my desk.  Minding my own business.  And then it hit.  A smell that was like no other.  Fortunately, I've never smelled a dead body in my life.  But I imagine it smelling something like this.

Apparently, it's called natto.  And it got the whole office talking.  In fact, I don't think that poor Asian girl I work with is ever coming back.

A Google search turned up that natto is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans.  Man, I like soy - but this stuff is rancid. Seriously, we're all so distracted now that it's impossible to work.

Granted, if our bastard employers gave us the lunch hour we deserve, eating at your desk would be a non-issue.

Do you think certain foods should be banned from the office?  I've got my list below (by no means complete!) and I'd love to hear from you.   Visit the message board to join the conversation.

Natto (a new reason to bring up an old topic!)
Eggs
Tuna
Salami
Any type of nuked fish
Kimchee
Cheese (parmesan, etc.)
Onion
Curry
Garlic
Popcorn (yes, the smell pisses me off!)

And my co-worker Ken tells me that nothing is worse then Surstromming, a Swedish delicacy consisting of fermented Baltic herring.  Look it up.  It reeks!

Comments

[The Baxter]

At my job we're not even allowed to eat at our desks. When I first started I was pissed but now it is a law that I am actually grateful for, especially after reading your post.

[delatopia]

The funny and brilliant "Steve, Don't Eat It!" had a segment on natto:

http://www.thesneeze.com/mt-archives/cat_steve_dont_eat_it.php

I would say none of these foods would be appropriate for workplace eating.

[Ling]

I just have one thing to say: onion lovers, I hate you!

[Lisher]

I agree, certain foods should be banned. Granted it's tough to narrow down the list after taking into effect different ethlic backgrounds, allergies, etc. It's just a matter of voicing your opinion in the matter and hoping everyone at your work respects that. And hey, just remember that usually there is only one meal to be eaten at work so if you wanna eat smelly foods do it at supper, at home, where no one is affected by the smell but you.......

[RT]

I love eggs. Now my office mates have declared war on my consumption of eggs in my office. I am at a loss. Does anyone know Dr. Phil?

[Jane]

This girl at work just cooked some eggs in a Wok! (yes, she keeps a wok here!)... she has an entire dozen of them in the fridge... God, I hope she isnt planning on making ALL OF THEM (I think she does!)! Im fixin' to hurl them in the trash! The entire office smells like a someone let a HUGE fart fly.. and its not fun to be FORCED to work thru that... totally RUDE!

[Charmed]

Working in an office with many different cultures, I can fully understand and appreciate that the people I work with may bring in dishes native to their country, HOWEVER, a nasty smell is a nasty smell. I think it is perfectly within a person's right to politely ask their coworker(s) to excuse themselves to a private or more appropriate area, such as the kitchen, to eat foods which have an "offensive" odor. We all have different taste and sensitivities. I personally love the smell of popcorn, but I know it grosses some people out. I feel like there is a certain "understood" office etiquette that needs to be followed. NO STINKY FISH IN THE MICROWAVE!!!