The 5- Second Rule

What does the 5-Second Rule exactly mean?

Whether you call it the five-second rule, three-second rule, or the n number of seconds rule, you know what this rule is. Someone drops a tasty morsel of food on the ground and scoops it right back up, declaring that, according to the so called “rule,” there was no time for the bacteria to seize onto the treat.

Is it true, then?

Scientists, believe it or not, have put the rule to the test. We regret to inform you that this is not always the case. Bacteria can stick to your food even if you pick it up very quickly. But will your dropped meal, contain enough bacteria to make you sick? It's a possibility, which is why you shouldn't eat anything that has fallen on the floor.

Here's everything you need to know about the 5-second rule:

1. A spotless floor isn't always clean.

A dirty floor is usually the worst, but even dry floors that appear to be clean might harbor bacteria. Why? Some bacteria can live for a long period on the floor. You can't see them either. So there's a good chance that bacteria live on your kitchen floor and the cafeteria floor at school.

2. The faster the better.

The more time an item of food sits on the floor, the more bacteria it picks up. As a result, food left out for 5 seconds or less is likely to accumulate fewer bacteria than food left out for longer.

3. However, fast may not be enough.

As soon as your food touches the ground, bacteria can cling to it. If the conditions are appropriate, food left on the floor for a brief period of time can become tainted. Foods with wet surfaces, such as an apple slice, can easily pick up bacteria.

4. Toss it out if you're not sure.

Some germs aren't dangerous at all. Others, on the other hand, can cause you terrible things like diarrhea. You can't see the bacteria, but even if you could, it only takes a small amount to make you sick. So, what are you going to do with that delectable morsel that just slipped from your hands? The safest option is to discard it.

Stay Safe!

Jiya Thakker

SHARP