What do you think of the 5-second rule?

Answer 1

I think it doesn't apply to wet foods. Someone has done a test before that shows how many germs collected on a wet and dry swab after 5 seconds on the floor, and the wet one had far more. If something lands on the concrete, that would be gross. But if it falls on the counter at your house or floor that has been cleaned, I believe it is okay.

Answer 2

Considering I hose down my floors every 3 or 4 months, unless they really don't need it, I'm perfectly ok with a 5 hour rule. The only down side to this is the likelihood of the dog getting to it before I do.

Answer 3

We should extend it to the 10 second rule.

Answer 4

It's scientifically bogus - germs will get on the food so quickly that it won't matter how fast you pick it up off the floor. But it is a good rule (which I follow) for social situations.

Answer 5

When you have 7 grandchildren, you use that rule all of the time!

Answer 6

I think the rule should be- If you're comfortable licking your floor, you can pick something up off it and eat it.

Answer 7

well it depends where I dropped it
if i dropped it in a pile of **** I wouldn't eat it
also if the food is wet, germs tend to stick onto more compared to something dry. I think they did a test on mythbusters

Answer 8

it should be revised to 10 seconds

Answer 9

It doesn't matter. Whenever I drop something it always lands wettest side down (Murphy's Law, right?). No way am I eating it after that!

Answer 10

i use it
but i change the amount of seconds depending on where i am
sometimes its gross if its with like pizza or a bagel with cream cheese