Five Second Rule [VIDEO]

Ever dropped a snack and scrambled to pick it up, swearing by the five-second rule?--Turns out, bacteria aren’t quite as patient as we’d hoped.

The Real Deal Behind the "Five-Second Rule"

Ever heard of the classic "five-second rule"?

You know, that little excuse we use to rescue a fallen snack, convincing ourselves it’s still safe as long as we pick it up fast enough.

Well, I hate to break it to you, but science has given that rule the side-eye.

Turns out, germs aren’t exactly waiting around, twiddling their thumbs before jumping onto your food.

 

The Cold, Hard Truth: It’s a Myth

Research isn’t exactly on our side here.

A study led by Adityawardhana et al. (2021) showed that bacteria can latch onto your food almost instantly – yup, even within those sacred five seconds.

In fact, 3 out of 5 samples were already crawling with bacteria in that short time.

So, while you might think you’re beating the clock, germs are already ahead of the game.

The reality?

It doesn’t matter how quickly you grab that slice of pizza off the floor – if it's going to get contaminated, it's already happened.

This isn’t just a theory; it's a fact.

According to the paper,

[...] the five-second rule is a significant oversimplification of what actually happens when bacteria transfer from a surface to food. Risk of transfer of contamination is constantly present regardless of time.[3]

 

What Really Makes Your Food a Germ Magnet

So, if time isn’t the real issue, what is?

Several other factors play a role in how much bacteria ends up on your food:

• Surface Matters: Studies like Bombard & Roof (2017) show that not all surfaces are created equal. Drop a cookie on a carpet, and it might pick up fewer germs than if you drop it on a damp, porous wooden floor. That kitchen tile? It’s less likely to transfer bacteria, but it’s not off the hook entirely.
• Moisture is a Magnet: Ever noticed how wet things tend to attract more dirt? Same goes for bacteria. Foods with high water content, like a juicy piece of watermelon, are prime targets for germs compared to, say, a dry cracker.

These factors mean that the risk of contamination is a lot more complicated than just a matter of time.

The five-second rule doesn’t account for any of this, which makes it pretty unreliable.

 

The Five-Second Rule: A Risky Oversimplification

Here’s the kicker:

The five-second rule is basically lying to us.

Bacteria don't wait for a countdown – they transfer to your food instantly.

The 2016 Rutgers University study found that the transfer can happen in milliseconds, not seconds.

Although this research shows that the five-second rule is “real” in the sense that longer contact time resulted in more transfer, it also shows that other factors, including the nature of the food and the surface, are of equal or greater importance. The five-second rule is a significant oversimplification of what actually happens when bacteria transfer from a surface to food. [2]

And according to the CDC, some bacteria can linger on surfaces for hours or even days.

That means even if you just cleaned your kitchen, there could still be germs hanging around, ready to pounce.

The five-second rule is like trying to play a game of tag with a sprinter. You’re always going to lose.

 

Real-Life Case Studies That Set the Record Straight

Let’s dig into a few studies that blow this myth wide open:

• The 2016 Rutgers University Study: They tested different foods (watermelon, bread, gummy candy—you name it) on various surfaces. Guess what? Germs transferred almost instantly, especially on moist foods. So, if you thought you had a chance, think again.
• Mirriam et al. (2022) Review: This one confirmed that bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli can transfer in milliseconds, and wet surfaces speed things up even more.
• CDC Insights: The CDC states that germs can survive on surfaces for hours, sometimes even days. So, there’s no magic safety window, folks.

 

What You Should Actually Do

So, where does that leave us? Well, here’s the lowdown on how to stay safe:

1. When in Doubt, Throw It Out: If your food hits the floor, it’s probably not worth the risk. Better to be safe than sorry.
2. Clean Those Surfaces Regularly: Wiping down counters and floors helps keep bacteria at bay, so make it a habit.
3. Watch the Moisture: Foods with higher moisture content are like magnets for bacteria. Be extra cautious with them.
4. Use Clean Plates and Utensils: Instead of setting your food directly on countertops, place it on a clean plate.

By taking these simple precautions, you can dodge some nasty foodborne illnesses.

And honestly, that’s way better than gambling with the five-second rule.

 

References

1. Rutgers Researchers Debunk “Five-Second Rule”: Eating Food off the Floor Isn’t Safe. (2016, September 8). Www.rutgers.edu. https://www.rutgers.edu/news/rutgers-researchers-debunk-five-second-rule-eating-food-floor-isnt-safe
2. Miranda, R. C., & Schaffner, D. W. (2016). Longer Contact Times Increase Cross-Contamination of Enterobacter aerogenes from Surfaces to Food. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 82(21), 6490–6496. https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.01838-16
3. Adityawardhana, T., Widodo, A. D. W., & Rehatta, N. M. (2021). RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FOOD CONTACT TIME TO THE EFFECT ON TRANSFER OF MICROBES FROM CERAMIC FLOOR USING THE FIVE-SECOND RULE. Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health Research, 2(1), 24–31. https://doi.org/10.20473/jcmphr.v2i1.26469
4. Bombard, J., & Roof, S. (2017). Testing the “five second rule” – a potential microbiology lab exercise. Proceedings of the West Virginia Academy of Science, 89(1). https://doi.org/10.55632/pwvas.v89i1.301
5. Adityawardhana, T., Widodo, A. D. W., & Rehatta, N. M. (2021). RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FOOD CONTACT TIME TO THE EFFECT ON TRANSFER OF MICROBES FROM CERAMIC FLOOR USING THE FIVE-SECOND RULE. Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health Research, 2(1), 24–31. https://doi.org/10.20473/jcmphr.v2i1.26469

 

Takeaway

Let’s face it, the five-second rule was a fun idea, but science just doesn’t back it up.

Bacteria don’t play by our rules, and they certainly don’t care how fast you are.

The next time you drop a snack, remember: it’s not about beating the clock – it’s about avoiding a ticket to Germ Town.

So, will you still take the chance? Or is it time to finally put this myth to rest?

If you would like more information regarding the effectiveness of high-performance infection prevention and control measures, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation on-site assessment of your facility's custodial needs, contact us today for a free quote!

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