Is the Five-Second Rule Actually Safe for Dropped Food?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the validity and safety of the five-second rule for dropped food, exploring microbiological studies related to bacterial transfer from various surfaces to food items. Participants examine the implications of these findings in practical terms, considering different food types and surface materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference a study indicating that bacteria transfer occurs from floors to food, with varying rates depending on the surface type, suggesting that dry foods may be safer to consume after brief contact with the floor.
  • One participant questions the reliability of the claims made in popular media, expressing a desire for peer-reviewed sources to substantiate the findings before accepting them.
  • Another participant shares a link to a user-submitted video discussing the topic, indicating a broader interest in the subject beyond academic literature.
  • Some participants discuss the specific case of toast, with one noting that it may land buttered or jam side down, raising concerns about bacterial transfer, while another suggests that any spread would likely remain stuck to the floor, potentially leaving the toast itself free of germs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the five-second rule and the reliability of the studies cited. There is no consensus on the safety of consuming dropped food, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of the findings.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the lack of access to peer-reviewed articles and express skepticism about the quality of the studies referenced in popular media. The discussion also reflects varying assumptions about food types and surface materials.

Greg Bernhardt
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The five-second rule DOES exist
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencet...ed-floor-isnt-dangerous-especially-toast.html

Microbiologists tracked the transfer of common bacteria from indoor floors
They monitored toast, pasta, sweets and biscuits dropped onto carpet, laminate and tiled surfaces
Carpeted surfaces were least likely to transfer bacteria to any of the food
Pasta had to be picked up in 5 seconds but toast could sit on floor for longer

For me if it's dry, good to go, if wet or sticky, no go :)
 
Biology news on Phys.org
toast could sit on floor for longer

But I though toast always lands buttered side (or jam side) down! Wouldn't that side tend to pick up bacteria more easily? :confused:
 
I can't find a citation to, or an abstract of, any published work in the peer-reviewed lit. I've searched Google Scholar, Pubmed and the Aston University page under his name: http://www.aston.ac.uk/lhs/staff/az-index/hiltonac/, none of which have any obvious link to this work. I would've expected the last link at least to have something, but no joy.

I would want to see a proper article in a peer-reviewed journal before accepting this sort of thing. But, sadly, this seems to be the way Science is done nowadays - go to (the lay) press before you go to (scientific) print.
 
Take this for what it is, a user-submitted youtube video (albeit a very good one) on the subject that is related to this thread:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYXdsOEWBj0
 
Here's the article from the VSauce video:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17381737

Over 99% of bacterial cells were transferred from the tile to the bologna after 5 s of bologna exposure to tile. Transfer from carpet to bologna was very low (<0.5%) when compared with the transfer from wood and tile (5-68%).
 
jtbell said:
But I though toast always lands buttered side (or jam side) down! Wouldn't that side tend to pick up bacteria more easily? :confused:

The butter or jam that touches the floor, I think, would most likely be stuck to the floor, leaving your toast germ free.
 

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