Do you really know? Is the five second rule a real thing?
Mar 31, 2025
What do you do when food falls on the floor? Some follow the notorious five-second rule, believing it's still safe to eat. Discover the science behind this common belief, including the findings from a 2016 study that reveals bacteria can transfer almost immediately. Explore how factors like food type and surface impact contamination levels. Plus, learn about the health risks for those more vulnerable to germs. You might rethink that snack after hearing these insights!
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Five-Second Rule Debunked
- The five-second rule is debunked: bacteria contaminate food instantly upon floor contact.
- Longer contact increases bacteria, but contamination occurs regardless of time.
Food and Surface Impact
- Watermelon, with high water content, gets contaminated more than drier foods like gummy candy.
- Carpet surprisingly transfers less bacteria than steel or tile, while wood varies.
Rigid Foods and Contamination
- Rigid foods (crisps, biscuits) are safe even after 30 minutes on the floor, according to an Aston University study.
- They pick up bacteria initially, but don't accumulate more over time.