Debunking Myths: The Yummy or Yucky Truth Behind the Five Second Rule
Safe Practices for Dropped Food

Ultimately, safety should be the key concern with dropped food. Instead of complying with the five-second rule, it's better to adhere to proper food handling and hygiene practices. These include washing hands before preparing food, cleaning foods appropriately, and keeping kitchen surfaces sanitized. Remember, it's better to waste a morsel of food than risk a bout of food poisoning! Indeed, as the saying goes, "When in doubt, throw it out."