The three-second rule: Know if it’s safe to eat baked goods

“Friends” appeared more than 20 years ago. But you would probably remember the scene where actress Jennifer Aniston’s Rachel Green and actor Matthew Perry’s Chandler Bing were eating cheesecake from the hallway floor after throwing away dessert. While it may be funny on occasion, is eating fried food a good idea? If you’re also throwing away your favorite dessert, throwing it away might not be the first thing on your mind. You might consider the three-second rule for food and dig into it. Regardless of whether or not you pick up food that has fallen in seconds, eating something that has fallen while you are walking can have serious consequences for your health.

Three-second rules for food: Is it safe to eat?

The three-second or five-second rule is a popular myth that suggests that food that falls to the floor is still safe to eat if it is picked up within three seconds. According to this law, the short contact time between the food and the surface prevents harmful organisms or bacteria from transferring to the food. However, this theory is not supported by science and is just a myth.

In fact, germs can spread to food almost immediately after touching an infected area. Bacteria, viruses and impurities can start to spread within seconds, regardless of how long the food has been on the floor,” says nutritionist Haripriya. N.

Throw away food that falls to the ground, as it can become contaminated once it reaches the surface, recommends the United States Department of Agriculture.

Three-second rules for food: Pathogens and health risks

A few germs can live in the soil for days or more, and affect your health.

1. Bacteria

• Salmonella it can live on the ground for several days or more, especially in warm, humid conditions. The expert says: “It causes food poisoning, which causes symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain and vomiting.
• Escherichia coli or E. coli can last for days in different areas, especially if the floor is contaminated with feces or animal products. The infection causes gastrointestinal disease with symptoms such as diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal pain and vomiting.

2. Viruses

• Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can stay on the floor for days, especially in places like restaurants, hospitals or public transport, says the expert. It causes gastroenteritis, which leads to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever.
• Influenza viruses it can survive on hard, non-porous surfaces for up to 48 hours. However, the virus is likely to be found on high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, telephones and desks. It leads to fever, chills, sore muscles, sore throat and cough.

3. Fungi

Mold thrives in moist, humid environments and can grow in a variety of places, including floors, especially bathrooms, basements, and water-damaged areas. “Exposure to mold can cause respiratory problems, allergic reactions and asthma attacks,” says the expert.

Three second rules for food: Type of food that can be easily contaminated

All types of food can be contaminated, but some are prone to contamination due to their texture and moisture.

Fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those with a lot of water such as melons, berries, tomatoes and leafy vegetables (lettuce, spinach), tend to absorb bacteria when they come into contact with contaminated surfaces. During a 2016 study published in the journal Applied And Environmental Biology, foods such as gummy candy, bread and watermelon were used to test the three-second rule for food. Researchers have found that more bacteria are transferred to melons than any other food, because they are moist. Their soft, moist structures provide the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.

The expert says: “Also, raw meat (beef, pork and chicken) can be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, and E. coli due to their high moisture content. The same goes for dairy products such as milk, cream and ice cream.

The three-second rule for food: Type of surface

The issue is on the water when it comes to the three second rule for food. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology showed that 48 to 70 percent of the bacteria attached to food fell on tile and wood. Haripriya says: “Wooden floors can harbor bacteria because of the holes, especially if they are not properly sealed. Carpet floors can trap bacteria, dust and food particles, making them perfect places for harmful germs to live.

The expert says: “It is generally safer to eat food that has been thrown away from the floor of your home compared to public places such as a restaurant or hospital. If you clean regularly and follow good hygiene practices, the risk of contamination is reduced. However, if the food is wet or sticky, it will be more likely to pick up contaminants, especially if the floor has recently been cleaned with harsh chemicals or is a surface. what people walk on frequently.

As for restaurants and hospitals, they often have high foot traffic and may have to deal with large numbers of people and different environmental conditions. “Even if they follow health and safety regulations, their floors may be exposed to a lot of dirt, including germs from different people, especially in areas like kitchens, bathrooms,” says the expert. bathrooms and dining areas.” So, if you throw away food at a restaurant or hospital, throw it away. Don’t even think about the three-second rule for food here.

The three-second rule for food may seem harmless, but it is not. Once you throw away food, especially something with high moisture content, it’s best to avoid using it.