The 5-Second Rule Is Wrong, According To Science

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If you haven’t embraced the five-second rule (a.k.a. quickly eating food that dropped onto the floor because you’re hungry/shameless and don’t care), you’re either lying or a total germaphobe. To the germaphobes: we have some good news for you. In some cases, the five-second rule is wrong. It’s actually the 30-minute rule.

Oh yes, you read that right. According to a recent study, “rigid” foods such as sandwiches, chips, dry toast or biscuits that fall on the floor are not likely to pick up any more bacteria for at least 30 minutes.

Just lost half of my Chick Fil A sandwich to my pup who was fasted than me… #stillhungry #clumsy #chickfila #baddog #notmynight #droppedfood

A post shared by @13_myca on Oct 28, 2015 at 10:55pm PDT

That means unless you’re in the presence of others or you’re afraid of what pet hair or dust could creep onto your food (which is more than valid), you apparently can let your bagel sit on your kitchen floor for an entire Friends episode, pick it up later, eat it and (likely) not get horribly sick.

However, this new rule does not apply to foods like sweets or pasta. In these cases, continue to uphold the five-second rule.

Regardless of your lifestyle, waiting no more than five seconds is always a good guestimate, and we have silent judgment toward those of you who actually try this. Maybe just don’t.