Fact or fable? Here’s what a doctor has to say about the five-second rule

More bacteria

So, if you drop it, your tasty morsel is immediately supplied with some not very nice bacteria. However, a different study that was published in the Journal of Applied and Environmental Microbiology states that time does play a role. The longer your food spends on the ground, the more bacteria will attach themselves to it.

To eat or not to eat?

If food has fallen to the ground, it’s better to apply your own judgement than the five-second rule. Did the food drop on the floor in your own kitchen, which you’ve just cleaned? Or did it fall somewhere where there’s a lot of dust and dirt? And besides this: is the food really so tasty that you must eat it? All things to consider!

Read more: Here are 5 vegetables you need to cook before you eat them

Want to save this article for later? Pin it on Pinterest!

Source: Reader’s Digest | Image: Pexels

Page 2 of 2