The five-second rule is a cultural staple—drop your food, pick it up quickly, and it’s still “clean,” right? But scientists have tested this theory, and the truth is a bit more complicated. While it’s not entirely bogus, the amount of bacteria transferred to food depends on the type of food, the surface it lands on, and how long it stays there.
Moist foods like watermelon pick up bacteria almost instantly, while dry foods like crackers fare better. Smooth surfaces like tile transfer germs faster than carpet (surprisingly!). So yes, time matters, but it’s not the only factor. If you want to play it safe, maybe skip the floor snack—or at least keep it to a crunchy one.