The “5 second rule” is a popular but informal guideline and English phrase that suggests that if you drop food on the floor and pick it up within five seconds, it’s still safe to eat.
The idea behind the 5 second rule is that if you retrieve the food quickly enough, there’s a lower chance of it picking up a significant amount of dirt, germs, or bacteria from the surface it landed on.
How to use the 5 second rule
Usually when you drop something, you quickly pick it up and announce, “5 second rule!” and then eat the food.
Use your common sense in real life 😉
It’s important to note that the 5-second rule is not based on scientific research or food safety standards. Food can become contaminated almost instantaneously upon contact with a surface, and there’s no universally agreed-upon time limit that guarantees safety.
