25 Popular Facts That Are Actually False

The 5-Second Rule Is Inapplicable

The 5-Second Rule Debunked
The "five-second rule" suggests that food dropped on the floor is safe to eat if picked up within five seconds. While this rule is often used as a playful justification for salvaging dropped snacks, it has no basis in science. Bacteria can transfer to food instantly upon contact with a contaminated surface. The extent of contamination depends on factors such as the type of surface, the moisture level of the food, and the cleanliness of the environment. For example, wet foods like watermelon are more likely to pick up bacteria than dry foods like crackers. Similarly, a clean kitchen floor is less risky than a public sidewalk. Studies have shown that bacteria like E. coli and salmonella can contaminate food in less than a second, making the five-second rule more of a comforting myth than a reliable guideline. While not all dropped food is guaranteed to make you sick, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and avoid eating food that has come into contact with potentially dirty surfaces.

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