25 Common Beliefs That Are Totally Wrong

The 5-Second Rule Is Inapplicable

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The 5-Second Rule Debunked The "five-second rule" claims food dropped on the floor is safe if grabbed within five seconds. It’s a fun excuse to save a snack, but science says otherwise. Bacteria can latch onto food the instant it touches a dirty surface. Contamination varies by surface type, food moisture, and cleanliness. Wet foods like fruit pick up germs faster than dry ones like chips. A clean home floor is safer than a grimy street.

Research proves bacteria like E. coli can transfer in under a second, making this rule a risky myth. While not all dropped food will sicken you, it’s wiser to play it safe and skip eating anything that’s hit a questionable surface.