Is The 5 Second Rule a Myth?
We are all familiar with the scenario of the chip that met the floor. “Oh, no!” You hurry and pick that chip up in 2.6 seconds! Then you attempt to put that same chip in your mouth when your friend says, “Don’t do it. The 5 Second Rule is a myth.” But you’ve always been told that if food hits the floor, it’s okay to eat ONLY if you pick it up within 5 seconds. Germ-free chip! But is it true? We delved into this interesting topic and hope it helps you decide whether to eat that chip or pass.
Why The 5 Second Rule?
This beloved standard for our food hygiene has been passed around since the 90s, succeeding germ theory. However, there’s been no consensus of its origin. In 2003, a survey confirmed that a majority of the US population was familiar with the 5 second rule. It’s been studied by scholars and public health officials alike. The topic has even been featured on the Discovery Channel series MythBusters. Isn’t it funny that a supposed myth has ruffled so many feathers in the scientific community?
So… Is it a myth?
The answer is not totally straightforward, but we come to the roundabout answer that yes, the 5 Second Rule is a myth. But the circumstances can have mixed results depending on several factors. The most conclusive answer on whether bacteria can transfer to an object within 5 seconds can be summed up by Rutger’s University biologist, Donald Schaffner: “Bacteria can contaminate instantaneously.”
Factors With The 5 Second Rule
Being that, as it may, there are factors. No matter how many seconds you drop something on the floor, it will get some bacteria on it. The amount of bacteria is up for debate.
Here are some known factors to consider:
• Length of Time – Bacteria will just grow. If you are quick and pick up that chip in one second it will, of course, have fewer bacteria on it than if you picked it up a minute later. In some cases, the amount has been recorded to be tenfold.
• Moisture – Researchers found that when an object is moist, it will obtain more bacteria than a dry item. Better hope that buttered bread falls on the right side!
• Surface Type – Certain studies found that carpet transferred fewer bacteria than steel or tile. Wood has not been confirmed, as the results where highly variable.
• Location – Dropping something on your kitchen floor will probably yield many different results than on an elementary school cafeteria floor, depending. The factors within this factor can be monumental, as you’d have to look at population density, most recent cleaning, cleaning solutions, etc.
Should You Take the Risk?
Just like with the other answer, it depends. There are questions you need to weigh out before you eat food that has definitely been contaminated.
If we simplified the answer, we can round it down to 3 major factors.
• What – Did you drop a piece of moist watermelon that just so happen to fall edible side down or did you drop a cracker? Both will have very different results.
• Where – Did you drop it on your living room rug that was just swept or on the pavement at an amusement park? We can’t imagine we’d have to make this decision for you, but if you are at an amusement park, leave that dropped food be!
• Who – One big factor we haven’t covered that might be one of the most important of all is who is eating this contaminated food? Is it the adult with a great immune system or the very old or very young that might have compromised immune systems? You can probably guess who will be affected more.
Bottom Line With The 5 Second Rule
We don’t advocate for any “rule” nor do we want to tell you what to do. We are simply here to educate. Hopefully, you have found this information helpful and interesting!
Are you looking to make your floors so clean you can eat off of them?! We don’t want to advocate for that, but we can sure help restore them to their natural beauty! Contact Olmec Reflections today for a FREE quote!