The “5” Second Rule Doesn’t Mean Squat

Just when you thought it was safe to put it in your mouth after it hits the floor within five seconds, think again.

I don't think there's a person alive that hasn't heard of the five second rule, but in case you're not in the loop on this topic, when you drop your food on the floor you have five seconds to pick it up and pop it in your mouth before germs get to it.

It turns out that germs are a little more determined than we think and attach themselves almost immediately. Just something to keep in mind next time you decide to play this game.

Researchers at San Diego State University recently did a study using carrots and dropped several of them on a variety of different surfaces and compared them to clean carrots.

"Researchers found that germs affixed themselves to the carrots within five seconds of contact with different surfaces", the study was co-founded by Clorox.

65 percent of parents actually use the five second rule in their home. (Atlanta.CBSLocal.com)

Food for thought.