The Five-Second Rule Perhaps you had an occasion to call on the ‘Five- Second Rule’? While most view the rule as amusing fiction that permits eating dropped food, there is some validity to the idea. In a typical kitchen, the counters and refrigerator handle harbor twice the harmful bacteria per square inch as the kitchen floor. Sink handles are even worse. By comparison, floors aren’t so bad. From that perspective, food dropped on the floor is perhaps among the least of our worries. What we touch with our hands is often the greater concern. It’s a matter of measured risk. Since most of us are still alive after an encounter with the refrigerator, we will likely survive an encounter with the floor. Of course the ‘Five-Second Rule’ doesn’t stand alone. It needs to be applied with common sense. So many places in our lives pose more concern than the floor. Fortunately, most have a hardy immune system that handles the bacteria we encounter. Those with a compromised immune system must take more care. In both cases, it’s about making an informed judgment based on relative risks – what kind of floor, how long, etc. For a trek into the finer point of the ‘Five-Second Rule’ enjoy Dr. Aaron Carroll’s article, “I’m a Doctor. If I Drop Food on the Kitchen Floor, I Still Eat It.” which was written in response to a New York Times article, “Five-Second Rule’ for Food on Floor Is Untrue, Study Finds.” As for me, you can probably guess what I’d do. Keeping my immune system at its best with diet, exercise and sound sleep is the first step. Then, in a pinch, if I need the ‘5 Second-Rule’ I should come out ok. So there you have it. Get a good night sleep Friday night, awake well rested for a Saturday morning walk and afterwards treat yourself to a healthy breakfast. Of course, for an enjoyable winter morning walk - hat, gloves and coat are recommended. Nancy Neighbors, MD |