The 5-Second Rule Myth – Still Safe to Eat?

"Quick, pick it up – you can still eat that!" A phrase we've all heard growing up. It refers to the so-called three- or five-second rule: If food falls to the floor but is picked up quickly, it’s supposedly still safe to eat. But how much truth is there to this common belief?

Science reveals a sobering result

Microbiologist Nicholas Aicher from Illinois (USA) decided to put the five-second rule to the test. In a small study, he examined bacterial growth on food items that had been in contact with the floor for varying amounts of time – from one second up to a full minute. He shared his findings on his TikTok channel, and the video has already sparked controversy with over a million views.

The results are sobering: bacteria were found on every food sample – even those that had touched the floor for just one second. Aicher remarked, “Looks like even zero seconds is too long.” What’s particularly surprising: the amount of bacteria found on the five-second samples was nearly the same as those that had been on the floor for sixty seconds. So much for the myth – it doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.

Between hygiene and food waste

Many users in the comment section of Aicher’s video expressed concern, yet admitted they still intend to follow the rule. One wrote, “I’ve always done this and I’ve never gotten sick.” Another emphasized the importance of not wasting food.

So what matters more – avoiding waste or protecting your health? The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle. Floors and kitchen surfaces that aren’t cleaned regularly can become breeding grounds for harmful germs. Salmonella, listeria, and other bacteria can begin to grow on food debris left lying around. If you drop, say, a slice of bread and it picks up such bacteria, it could potentially lead to serious illness.

That said, there’s nothing wrong with being mindful of food waste – not everything needs to go straight into the bin. If your home is kept reasonably clean, chances are good that your floor isn’t teeming with dangerous bacteria. So if you do choose to stick with the rule, just pause and ask yourself: when was the last time this floor was cleaned?

Photo: Unsplash / by John Sailor