Have you heard of the 5 second rule? I think most of us have nowadays and not only that, most have also used it especially on sweets and chocolate. I mean really that would otherwise be a total waste right? For those unaware the 5 second rule literally means that food dropped on the floor if picked up straight away (within 5 seconds) is normally safe to eat.
(Pictured above Horseradish, Cheddar and Smoked Salmon Toasted Sandwich)
I’ve generally worked with this of course depending on what and where food is dropped. Anything dropped in the streets is a no go but in the home especially when I have just cleaned it is generally okay. It also depends on the food dropped. Spilt soup or melted chocolate will not be licked off the floor but cleaned and then the floor sprayed with dettol and given a wipe. We don’t wear shoes in the house which helps keep it that much cleaner thankfully. My thoughts have always been that a few germs won’t kill you and if anything they will help improve the ability of our immune system.
Today the 5 second rule was given the all clear by scientists. This is thanks to germ expert Anthony Hilton from Aston University. Although it can never been entirely risk free as it depends on the floor in many cases and an obviously filthy floor should never been eaten off – basic common sense. Going with common sense you will of course also check the item you have dropped prior to eating it to make sure there are no obvious signs of dirt. In many cases it is safe to eat a dropped sweet from a clean floor although it has also been shown that germ transfer can occur within less than 5 seconds. As a rule I would say only do this in your own home when you know you have cleaned the floor very recently (we only have wooden floors and stone tiled floors which are far easier to clean.). Do not eat off wet floors as this can speed up germ transfer, this rule also applies to moist foods. If you have pets it all goes out of the window, don’t eat anything off the floor as they walk inside and outside spreading a large range of bacteria as they go that you really don’t want to welcome any of those into your body to cause havoc.
What do you think?
Have you ever used the 5 second rule?
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Hah, yes I’m guilty of using the 5 second rule to my advantage! I agree with what you’ve put though because it’s a common-sense kind of thing; if you’ve got pets or the floor is gross, then it’s pretty gross to eat something off of it!
Caz
I think people get a bit funny about germs but most of the time as long as the floor is cleaned regularly you tend to be safe.
I use the 5 second rule all the time and it hasn’t had a negative impact on my health. I saw this in the news earlier x
Most of the time it won’t if you are careful were you do it x
i have to say i have always believed int the 5 second rule but only of its on the home never outside lol
I totally agree and many a time not in others houses especially if they have pets.
It’s totally dependant on situation like what the food is and where as to whether I stick to the 5 second rule x
That’s very true, can’t lick soup off the floor that wouldn’t be nice.
I use the 5 second rule all the time, unless like you I am out then it is a no go x
Lol, glad you agree. I think people worry to much sometimes but then each to their own x
Personally, I would not eat anything off the floor by choice, but each to their own 🙂 x
Even a just washed floor? I used to think like that but my thinking changed as I got older.
I;m so hungry after reading this! defo going to make a ham and cheese toastie
That sounds yummy, try not to drop it though x
HA! I am also writing about this having seen the good news on TV yesterday!
It is interesting to think they actually studied it!
I always use the 5 second rule – unless my cat gets there first!
I have that problem but with my son instead of a cat lol
I’m totally guilty of using the five second rule in my house, but that’s because I know when I last washed my floors! x
Same here. If they need a wash it’s a no go.
I am germaphobic so I absolutely can’t do the 5-second rule haha
Even at home? That’s the only place I will x
I’m a fan of the “however-many-seconds-as-long-as-it’s-not-covered-in-dog-hair” rule haha! x
Lol, hey if it works for you why not. xxx
Lol! Well for me it still truly depends on what it is that fell and where lol Thanks for the insight tho, I will pass it along! 🙂
Same here you don’t want to eat food of the pavement or a dirty floor.
I saw this on the news the other day and even though the scientists gave the ok I tend to get sick quite easily and just can’t find myself even adopting a one second rule. The kids on the other hand will eat whatever I may drop within the 5 second rule.
Sounds like for you it is best not to do it at all. It’s preferable not to be ill x
Yep I use it when my son drops food to save waste.
Kids seem to drop things all the time don’t they!
I can’t eat things after they fall on the floor, I have a mental block over it – I wish I didn’t as it is sometimes such a waste.
I used to but as I grew older, studied medicine etc. I realised it wasn’t such a bad thing.
yeah, I’m pretty relaxed about this sort of thing – it depends where I am and what was dropped 🙂
I think many mums tend to be like that. I think it is fine if you are careful.
The 5 second rule is definitely a thing! Love this post.
Thanks for your comment Holly. I’m glad there are so many that do use this rule.
I saw this on the news the other night and it made me chuckle how many people use the 5 second rule and that scientists have actually been testing it too! I’m guilty of working to it (depending on the food and the floor too of course)
I know I was surprised they’d even look at researching it 😉
Glad to know it’s a good theory 😉 I live by it! lol
I think most do but just don’t tell anyone lol 😉
I love the 5 second rule lol brilliant thanks for sharing X
It does come in handy x
Great read. I didn’t know about it. Thanks for the info.
No problem 😉
I’m the same with the five second rule, that it depends on where and what it is! Interesting to think that it has actually been approved now and always handy to know!
I know I didn’t think they would bother to look into it to be honest.
Within reason i am guilty of using this
I think many are so you’re in good company x
I have to admit I use the five-second rule quite loosely – sometimes extending it to ten seconds if chocolate is involved haha!
Lol, I don’t blame you, can’t waste chocolate!!!
That’s so interesting that the 5 second rule has been cleared, I don’t tend to eat anything thats been on the floor haha! xo
Don’t forget though it does depend on the floor.
This was interesting I don’t tend to eat anything that falls to the floor even if its clean.
It normally fine if you have a clean floor.
Yeah I totally agree that it really depends on where the food fell for that 5 second rule. But for our little ones, as much as possible, don’t let them eat it because their tummy is still sensitive to germs. For adults like us, it’s fine.
It is said to help improve the body’s ability to cope with bacteria etc. by actually going by the 5 second rule for adults and children.
Haha, even though this has been approved by scientists, I don’t think I’ll give this a go!
I think some people are more likely to go for it than others. I think more do than don’t though.
I’ve never heard of the 5 seconds rule to be honest, it’s a bit like refereeing a football match though in regards to whether or not to allow extra-time…it depends on the circumstances and whether or not you are influenced by the crowd ie. who’s watching? 😉
I generally don’t have onlookers when it’s at home unless you count the children.
I have always thought that the 5 second rule was a myth
Lol, well now you know it’s got scientific backing 😉