The sandwich FAQ

Frequently asked questions - The sandwich FAQ

How old is it really? Where does it come from?

When the picture was taken, it really was ten years old, but since then, 27 more years have passed. So the sandwich itself is already 37 years old. It was part of a lunch packet and I forgot to eat it. When I rediscovered it, it had already begun to rot.

What type of sandwich is it? Cheese?

I don't know. From simply looking at it, you can't tell anymore. Maybe a chemical analysis could provide the answer to this question, but I don't really consider that necessary.

Does ist smell?

Does it walk / talk?

How do you store it?

Most of the time, I keep it in a glass jar. For the photo, I took it out of the jar in a controlled setting.

Is it infectious?

It may be. Some potentially dangerous microbiological germs may grow in decomposing organic material, and they may cause infections (acute or chronic) under certain unfavourable conditions. It requires a profound knowledge about their behaviour to be able to store a sandwich for such a long time without endangering oneself or others. Do not try it yourself! You might not be able to control the risks.

I want a ten-year-old sandwich for myself. Can you give me some advice?

Just one advice: Don't do it! It may become infectious (see above) and people who are not familiar with infectious diseases, their prevention and treatment should not try experiments like this. Again: you might not be able to control the risks. You might endanger yourself or others. Just enjoy the sight of my sandwich. It will always be at least ten years older than yours, anyway.

What about the global problem of starvation?

Had I eaten the sandwich instead of storing it, the global alimentary situation would not be any different today. Nevertheless: in view of the possible ethical doubts, I have transferred some money to a fund against worldwide starvation. Feel free to do so, too!

Any further questions or comments? Please do not hesitate to send me an email!