THE 5 SECOND RULE: FACT OR FICTION???

News Flash

A lot of people believe it's OK to eat food they've dropped on the floor as long as it's picked up within five seconds. Science finally has the answer!

Slipstream

It's tempting to quickly grab something I've dropped on the floor, but I do resist picking it up because my mind goes to where the shoes I'm wearing have been that day — in the supermarket parking lot or in the backyard where neighbor cats do their business. It's easy to resist once those images come to my mind.

TMac

LOL Your comment makes a LOT of sense!

Well Street

This could be a way to test the resilience of our GI tracts.

I've avoided picking up wet food items off the floor, easily imagining the unknowns that can latch on to them. Your video will come to mind the next time a piece of my meal lands on any surface, and it's safe to say that shrugging my shoulders and popping it into my mouth won't be my impulse.

TMac

Love the comment. As I noted in the video, I've definitely popped something into my mouth after dropping it onto the floor but it has been a very rare occurrence. After doing this story, it's not likely to be my first impulse either!