Five-Second Rule Debunked by Scientists

Tuesday, 20 July 2010 | by Pat's Picks

If you’re an adherent of the five-second rule you might want to think about changing your ways. Scientists have found that salmonella and other bacteria can be transferred almost immediately to food that’s been dropped on the floor says the Kansas City Star. But it depends on where the drop takes place. The sidewalk, for example, is much cleaner than your kitchen floor.

More about the study from Clemson University

More about the study from National Geographic, which published an article on the topic in their July issue.

Below, a food scientists explains why the five-second rule should really be the zero-second rule: