The Five-Second Rule: Why It’s a Myth

You’ve likely heard the saying: “If you pick up dropped food within five seconds, it’s safe to eat.” This so-called “five-second rule” suggests that food is protected from germs if it’s retrieved quickly enough. However, science tells a different story.

The Origin of the Myth

The five-second rule has been passed down through generations as a playful justification to salvage dropped food. It’s an appealing idea – that a quick response can save our snacks from contamination. But is it really true?

What Science Says

Research has shown that bacteria can transfer to food almost instantaneously upon contact with a contaminated surface. The type of food and the surface it falls on both play significant roles in this process. For instance, moist foods tend to pick up more bacteria compared to dry ones, and surfaces with higher levels of bacteria will contaminate food faster.

Studies and Findings

A study conducted by Rutgers University in 2016 found that bacteria can contaminate food in less than a second. Researchers tested various foods (watermelon, bread, bread with butter, and gummy candy) on different surfaces (stainless steel, ceramic tile, wood, and carpet). The results showed that the longer food was in contact with a surface, the more bacteria it picked up. However, even foods picked up immediately showed signs of contamination.

Health Risks

Eating food that has fallen on the floor, even if it’s picked up quickly, can expose you to harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. These pathogens can cause food borne illnesses, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.

Better Safe Than Sorry

To maintain proper food safety, it’s best to discard any food that falls on the floor, regardless of how quickly it’s picked up. The risk of contamination is too high to take chances with your health.

Conclusion

The five-second rule is a persistent myth that doesn’t hold up to scientific scrutiny. Bacteria can transfer to food instantly, making it unsafe to eat even if retrieved quickly. Prioritising food safety means letting go of this myth and erring on the side of caution.

Stay informed, stay healthy!