For many, the "5-second rule," which dictates that you could eat anything off the floor as long as it has only been on the floor for less than five seconds, is reliable go-to rule. However a new study by San Diego State University and the Clorox Company suggests that it might not be so reliable.
According to the study, germs win the race against the clock and do make their way onto dropped food and other items.
The study team used a carrot and a sippy cup and tested them on counter-tops, highchair trays, table, title floors and carpet to check germ count. The results revealed that large numbers of germs transferred to the carrot and the sippy cup within the five seconds.
The least amount of germs on the carrots was found after being dropped on the table, the study reported. However, the least amount of germs on the sippy cup was found after it was dropped on the counter-top.
A survey of 500 moms and dads found that 65 percent acknowledged to following the 5-second rule at home, PR Newswire stated. According to the survey, almost 75 percent of parents also admitted to allowing their children to eat from their highchair tray, which researchers found to be where germs transferred to the sippy cup the most.
Dr. Scott Kelley, associate professor of biology at San Diego State University said in a statement, "We wanted to know if there was any truth to the theory that bacteria need time to attach to surfaces of fallen food or commonly dropped items like sippy cups. Unfortunately, for those of us who lived by that rule, it looks like a total myth-five seconds is all it takes."
GlobalPost reported that Discovery Channel's 'Myth Busters' also tested the myth and found similar results.
WATCH THE 'MYTH BUSTERS' DEBUNK THE '5-SECOND RULE'