It’s happened to all of us—you’re enjoying a delicious snack, and suddenly, gravity claims it. As it hits the ground, you instinctively invoke the infamous five-second rule, hoping it’s still safe to eat. The belief is simple: if you pick it up within five seconds, it hasn’t had time to attract harmful bacteria. But is this popular rule fact or fiction? Dr. Sriram Nene, a renowned cardiac surgeon and health advocate, recently shared his perspective on this long-debated subject in an Instagram video.
What Dr Sriram Nene Says About The Five-Second Rule?
Dr. Nene began by acknowledging that some studies have attempted to evaluate the validity of the five-second rule. These studies suggest mixed results—bacteria don’t necessarily jump onto food immediately, but the type of surface and the food in question play critical roles.
However, he pointed out that the scientific findings aren’t definitive enough to declare the five-second rule completely safe or entirely debunked. While science may be inconclusive, Dr. Nene has a straightforward perspective: better safe than sorry. He explains that we often underestimate the unseen risks of contamination.
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Here’s Why You Should Think Twice
Even if you’re at home, the ground is not as clean as it seems. Floors bear traces of whatever we’ve walked through—dirt, bacteria from shoes, and more. The risks multiply in public places. If your food falls on the ground, especially in public spaces, you don’t know what it’s been exposed to. Dr Nene warns, “Leave it, don’t eat it.”
Dr. Nene concludes with a practical approach: when there’s uncertainty, err on the side of caution. The five-second rule may offer a comforting excuse in the heat of the moment, but as he puts it, “Why take a chance?”
Whether it’s your favourite cookie or a prized piece of sushi, the risks of eating food that has come in contact with the floor outweigh the pleasure of eating it. As Dr Nene’s insights highlight, keeping your health in check sometimes means making the tough call to say goodbye to a fallen treat.
After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry—or, in this case, sick!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva and Dr Sriram Nene/Instagram
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