A doctor issued a stark warning to Brits who abide by the 'five second rule' for food that's been dropped.
The so-called rule suggests food is still safe to consume if it's picked up within five seconds of being dropped on the floor. However, a London-based medic cautioned that this isn't exactly accurate.
In a video clip that has already garnered more than 3,000 views, Dr Sermed Menzher sounded an alarm for those who believe their food remains uncontaminated if they pick it up swiftly enough. He stated: "If you've ever shouted the five-second rule when food hits the floor, I've got news for you.
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"A recent survey revealed that half of people are content to eat food after it's landed on the floor. Scientists named Dawson and colleagues decided to put this issue to rest once and for all, examining bacterial transfer onto food from various surfaces like wood, tile and carpet.
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"Firstly, they discovered that harmful bacterial colonies such as Salmonella and Campylobacter can survive on the floor for up to four weeks. When food is dropped on tile surfaces, it immediately picks up 99% of the colonies present. The day varies, but typically, it's about 50% of the colonies or less on wood, making it slightly safer.
"But on the carpet, less than 0.5% of the bacterial colonies actually transferred to the food when it's picked up less than five seconds. Colony transfer does increase the longer the food stays there. So the five-second rule doesn't apply unless it's on a carpet. But don't risk it if you eat off the floor."
He further explained in the caption that some harmful bacteria can live on your floor for up to four weeks. He added: "Invasive bacterial species such as Salmonella and Campylobacter have the potential to cause disease when ingested through contaminated food, water, or contact with infected animals or surfaces.
"These bacteria can survive and multiply in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to various symptoms ranging from mild gastroenteritis to severe and potentially life-threatening illness."
TikTok users were left divided in the comments as some argued that it helped boost their immune system, while others were strongly against the rule. One user said: "Hey, just making sure my immune system stays updated."
Another argued: "I never understood that! Ewww! we all walk and stuff blows around and animals especially cats after a litterbox? Nope. No floor food for me or mine!"
A third added: "Same....it's THE FLOOR! ! (sick emoji)". So what do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
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