First, the no-no warning from the CBS affiliate in Atlanta …
Most people are familiar with the famed “five second rule,” which states that if dropped food is picked up off the floor within five seconds of contact, it is still safe to consume.
In fact, 65 percent of parents admitted to implementing the five second rule in their homes.
Though a popular belief, a new study has found that germs often win the race.
The study, co-funded by Clorox and conducted by researchers at San Diego State University, found that germs do in fact attach themselves to edible items within that amount of time.
Baby carrots were reportedly deposited on different surfaces, including a countertop, a kitchen sink, a table, and both a carpeted and tiled floor in the interest of testing the theory.
An additional carrot was kept clean, to serve as a constant.
Researchers found that germs affixed themselves to the carrots within five seconds of contact with different surfaces.
The countertop was found to be the dirtiest surface, with the carpeted and tiled floors following closely in second and third place.
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And, the counter story that says it’s ok for some foods …
We’ve all quoted the 3 or 5 second rule — if food falls on the floor, it’s ok if you retrieve it within 3 (some say 5) seconds!
In other words, all the yucky stuff on the floor/ground/sidewalk won’t have time to stick to our yummy stuff if we drop it.
But is it true?
Scientists investigated, and it seems for some foods, like cookies or processed ham, yes, it does work!
For other foods, like pasta, it’s a fail. The wetter the food, the bigger the risk.
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We report, you decide.
The Homa Files 
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