Five Second Rule for Dropped Food Finally Given Approval by Scientists

UK scientists at Aston University have discovered that food dropped on the floor is safe to eat, if done so within the so-called "five second rule."

Germ expert Professor Anthony Hilton, has said that although the food is not completely risk-free, people should not be overly concerned, as the food was only there momentarily. 

Scientists investigate the 5 second rule, and say food that's been dropped on the floor for a short amount of time should be fine to eat. pic.twitter.com/ctupVh9vnx

— Heart NE News (@HeartNENews) March 15, 2017​

Professor Hilton discussed his findings at the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) exhibition for young people.

"Obviously, food covered in visible dirt shouldn't be eaten, but as long as it's not 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," Professor Hilton said in a recent interview.

Forget our research, who on earth would eat that pictured piece of toast? 🤢 #5SecondRule @BigBangFair @anthilton https://t.co/vkGT1Yq88U

— Aston University PR (@AstonPress) March 15, 2017​

Logic, indeed 😛😅😆😉😋💯❤️🍩 📷 @tsetse97 #5SecondRule #FOODIE #Science #BIZBoost 🚀 pic.twitter.com/UYbS6IOHX9

— Mohd. Imran (乇мմ™) (@TheSoulfulEMU) March 16, 2017​

"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," he added. 

Have you ever eaten food you've dropped on the floor? #5secondrule is legit. Now how about for those offals? pic.twitter.com/syJ4pvNuev

— FitzO (@FitzOlivares) March 15, 2017

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Paul Jackson, chief executive of EngineeringUK, organizers of The Big Bang Fair, said that Professor Hilton's research only highlights 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," Mr. Jackson said.

#SmartRestaurants look at the #5SecondRule as scientists reveal it's safe to eat food which has fallen to the floor: https://t.co/EhyvMHvs7z pic.twitter.com/GqVySQSF1K

— Smart Restaurants (@AppRestaurants) March 15, 2017​

However, the UK National Health Service (NHS) provide a different perspective: 

Our analysis of the #5secondrule and why it's not supported by any kind of science: https://t.co/OkUTn8Fnwt pic.twitter.com/0uUPa3cXW7

— NHS Choices (@NHSChoices) March 15, 2017​