London: How many times have you eaten food dropped on the floor because you applied the five-second rule? The urban myth now has scientific backing! A study by UK’s Aston University discovered that food plucked off the floor within a few seconds is less likely to contain bacteria than if left to languish for longer.
The findings suggest there may be some scientific basis to the five-second rule according to which it is fine to eat something that has had contact with the ground for only five seconds or less. “Consuming food dropped on the floor still carries an infection risk as it very much depends on which bacteria are present,” said Professor Anthony Hilton, a professor of microbiology at the university, who led the research.
“We have found evidence that transfer from indoor flooring surfaces is incredibly poor, with carpet actually posing the lowest risk,” Prof Hilton said.
