Nyem… nyem… eh, fall! Duh, take it again or not, huh? But not yet 5 minutes… Useless, right? Hayo, admit it! We must have thought, if it hadn’t been five minutes, our food that fell would still be germ-free. Interestingly, it’s not just Americans who often think like this! As it turns out, the European people also have similar assumptions. The difference is, if we believe in the five-minute rule, they believe in the five-second rule. But like our friend’s question, are foods that haven’t been 5 minutes down safe to eat?
The Research
According to the research of Professor Paul Dawson of Clemson University, not 5 seconds–let alone 5 minutes – food that falls out will be exposed to germs immediately. However, other research by Professor Anthony Hilton of Aston University proves that the number of germs that adhere to food falls only after 5 seconds.
For example, 100 germs are initially attached. The default is not yet 5 seconds, the amount will not change. But if it’s not taken immediately, the number of germs can increase 10 times every minute! Well, how many million germs do you think it will be after 5 minutes?
However, there is another factor that determines how many germs are attached to food when it falls. The first factor is the moisture of the food. The wetter the food, the more germs will stick. Then the second factor is the surface on which our food falls.
For example, the surface of a rug can pass fewer germs than the surface of a floor. But back to how dirty our carpet or our floor is!
Then, does it mean it’s still a little safe if our food falls on a clean surface? The answer may not be the same At first glance, germs or bacteria are everywhere! In the water… the soil… the air… Every time we touch a button on a smartphone screen, at least 6000 bacteria are sticking to our fingers.
Even the number of bacteria in our body turns out to be more than the total number in the United States! This fact must make us goosebumps. But fortunately, not all germs are pathogenic or harmful to our bodies. Some types of bacteria can make us sick, but some bacteria are good for our bodies.
Besides, don’t forget that our body also has a natural immune system. As long as we are fit, antibodies are always ready to fight the threat of pathogenic bacteria in various ways, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for the rest of our lives. The rest, just pray that no pathogenic bacteria will fall on our food!
Bottom Line
So, a little dirty is still fine, but not so much! Just be sincere about the food that has fallen, just don’t forget to throw it away, so that it doesn’t make it difficult for people who pass by. Are foods that haven’t been 5 minutes down safe to eat? Now you know the answer. Thanks.
