is there any merit to the 5-second rule ?
In: Other
No
The Mythbusters famously tested this one and determined the 5 sec rule had no merit what so ever.
Once food hits a surface it is contaminated instantly.
They tested placing different foods on a surface for less than 5 seconds, and more than 5 seconds and then tested bacterial cultures from both. The results were the same.
No, not at all. If it comes in contact with contaminants, it doesn’t matter how long it’s in contact with them. The germs and contaminants are still there no matter what. Now, most contaminants that your food could come on to contact with are completely harmless, but some of them aren’t, and it’s a dice role to see which ones you get.
So, no, the 5-second rule is not a good measure of food safety.
The merit is that it makes you feel justified in eating the food. The other benefit is that if the bacteria aren’t enough to sicken you, you might develop some antibodies.
My son (when he was about 6) proclaimed the Penguin-rule. It is safe to pick up and eat until you see a penguin walking past.
Germs are kinda like mud. Does the 5 second rule work at all when you drop your chicken wing in some mud? Not really.
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