Five-second rule for food dropped on the floor approved by germ scientists
Food that has been dropped on the floor is usually safe to eat under the so-called ?five-second rule?, a scientist has said.
Germ expert Professor Anthony Hilton, from Aston University, said that although retrieving these morsels can never be completely without risk, there is little to be concerned about if the food is only there momentarily.
Professor Hilton will be demonstrating how the five-second rule works at The Big Bang Fair ? a celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people ? which opens on Wednesday at the NEC in Birmingham.
He said: ?Eating food that has spent a few moments on the floor can never be entirely risk-free.
Obviously, food covered in visible dirt shouldn′t be eaten, but as long as it′s not obviously contaminated, the science shows that food is unlikely to have picked up harmful bacteria from a few seconds spent on an indoor floor.
That is not to say that germs can′t transfer from the floor to the food.
Our research has shown that the nature of the floor surface, the type of food dropped on the floor and the length of time it spends on the floor can all have an impact on the number that can transfer.?
It comes as a survey of 2,000 people found 79 per cent admitted to eating food that had fallen on the floor.
Paul Jackson, chief executive of EngineeringUK, organisers of The Big Bang Fair, said: ? This is a simple example of how science is present in everyday life.
From testing how safe food is to inventing new food and drink, the limits of how we can apply science and engineering are endless.?
Related News
Dandelion Benefits Biodiversity, Soil and Your Health
Yoga Asanas To Prevent Hair Loss
8 Time-Saving Meal Prep Ideas Nutritionists Actually Use
How to exercise outdoors, when the smogs a killer
15 Best Heart-Healthy Foods
Healthy food that tastes good too
Yoga Poses for People with Less Flexible Body
Legumes, nuts and kale can help you get big muscles
Most Read
★Five-second rule for food dropped on the floor approved by germ scientists
★4 Totally avoidable gym mistakes
★Growing Propagating and Using Aloe Vera
★Recycling temple waste along the Ganges with Help Us Green
★Top Foods for Calcium and Vitamin D
★How to prevent peanut allergies in children?
★Eat more fruit and veg for a longer life
★5 superfoods to combat hair loss
★Teenagers use social media posts to appear attractive to friends
★Best foods for healthy skin
★Plum goodness for your hair!
★Face Scrubs and Face Packs
★The Benefits of Yoga Beyond Flexibility
★Red Heart Tea Recipe
★15 Kitchen Herbs and Spices with Powerful Health Benefits
★WHO says strawberries may not be so safe for you
★Brain health food guide for older adults
★Study finds dramatic weight loss can be achieved WITHOUT counting calories
★Learn How To Do Pearl Facial At Home To Get Naturally Glowing Skin Instantly
★4 Foolproof Tips to Make Healthy Veggie Chips at Home
★The Brilliant Food Combo That Helps You Burn More Fat
★Soda, pizza and salty food up liver disease in kids: Study
★Looking towards India for design
★4 Superfoods for a Healthy Looking Skin
★How to exercise outdoors, when the smogs a killer
★Could laser hair removal give you CANCER?
★Surgery addict rushed to hospital after his body REJECTED his new nose
★Carbohydrates and sugars
★The tangy taste of Banaras
★5 DIY masks for your various hair concerns
★Top 10 Unknown Beauty Tips and Tricks
★8 Best Foods to Eat for Weight Loss
★Mans lips exploded after he became 'addicted' to fillers
★The Best Breakfast Foods for Weight Loss
★Why You Probably Shouldnt Take Diet Advice from Your CrossFit Coach
★10 Surprising Things That Can Cause You to Lose Muscle
★Why most people use emotional words to persuade others
★Dairy and vitamin D supplements protect against bone loss
★6 Best Oils for a Naturally Clear and Glowing Skin
★Top 10 Fruits To Eat To Lose Weight Quickly
★6 Best Oils for a Naturally Clear and Glowing Skin
★Learn to Do Vinyasa Yoga for Weight Loss
★6 Foods You Can Incorporate In Your Fat Burner Diet For Best Results
★Those who consume fruit and vegetables have a 40% lower risk of an incurable lung disease
★23 foods that contain NO calories
★Natural Herbal Gummies
★Dandelion Benefits Biodiversity, Soil and Your Health
★The Key to Healthy Aging
★5 Common Mistakes that May Ruin Your Skin
★A platter full of seafood
