1 week Ago By Vicky Duncan
Brits are willing to consume food that has fallen on the floor for up to six seconds, according to a recent study. Research involving 2,000 adults discovered that 73% would have no issues about eating food that had been on the floor, provided they picked it up quick enough. Biscuits, toast and chips were among the foods deemed perfectly fine to eat post-drop, along with sweets, strawberries and sausage rolls.
On the other hand, 57% would abandon a dropped ice cream cone, while 52% would discard a fallen knob of butter or baked bean without hesitation. Scrambled eggs, curry and mashed potato also made the list of foods too far gone after a fall. Yet, 45% adhere to the age-old 'five second rule' when it comes to dropped food with 28% observing it most of the time - and an additional 15% are unbothered by the idea of eating a fallen grape or crisp.
Nearly half of the respondents admitted to eating food off the floor to avoid waste, while 40% would do so if the floor appeared clean and a laid-back 39% believe that 'a little dirt won't hurt'. A total of 35% expressed confidence in their immune system's ability to protect them from any potential harm. Interestingly, more than one in 10 were of the opinion that 'germs can't move that fast'.
The survey also revealed that 66% considered their home floors to be clean, while a more cautious 24% rated their cleanliness as 'average'. Taking it one step further, depending on the cleanliness of the public space, a daring 24% would not hesitate to eat dropped food. Gok Wan, collaborating with Bosch, creators of the Unlimited 10 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner which commissioned the study, commented: "Our survey shows dropped food doesn't have to mean wasted food, but it all depends on where it lands and how clean your floor is.
"We've all had that moment where something delicious slips through our fingers, and sometimes, it's just too good to let go. But if you could see what's actually on your floor, you might think twice." Three out of 10 parents would allow their children to eat food off the floor, with 23% attributing this to the 'five second rule' they learned during their own childhood.
However, 69% agreed that it is unacceptable to eat food dropped on the floor during a dinner date. A spokesperson for Bosch commented: "It's fascinating to see just how many people still follow the five-second rule. But with busy households, pets, and daily life, floors aren't always as clean as they seem-especially when it comes to microscopic dirt and hidden germs we can't see.
"For those who often rescue fallen snacks, keeping floors clean can make it feel like less of a gamble.".
