A Chicago microbiologist has put the famous "five-second rule" to the test, revealing surprising results that challenge the old belief that food is safe to eat if picked up quickly from the floor. Nicholas Aicher, a senior quality control analyst and TikTok personality, conducted an experiment to scientifically test how much contamination happens when food is dropped.
Aicher’s experiment involved placing a petri dish on the floor for varying lengths of time, ranging from zero to 60 seconds, and then incubating the samples to observe bacterial growth. The results were startling: every sample showed evidence of microbial growth, disproving the notion that a quick pickup can prevent contamination. Even the dish left for zero seconds showed bacterial spots, highlighting that the floor itself is a breeding ground for bacteria.
The five-second sample, often a go-to excuse for those who pick up food quickly, showed similar bacterial growth to dishes left for longer durations. Samples left for 10, 20, and 30 seconds exhibited noticeably more contamination. Aicher's experiment debunked the myth that a mere few seconds would save the food from contamination, concluding that it’s not about how long food stays on the floor, but rather that any time spent on the floor introduces germs.
Despite the unsettling findings, many viewers on social media were reluctant to give up their beloved five-second rule. Some viewers joked that the microbes added "extra flavor," while others defended the practice, saying it had never caused them harm. However, Aicher’s experiment clearly shows that no amount of time on the floor makes food safe from bacteria, reinforcing the importance of hygiene when handling food.
Source: New York Post
Filled Under :
*We reserve the right to delete comments that contain inappropriate content.