So over the weekend I had a family reunion and I mentioned a scientific study I had read a while ago, on the 5-second rule, to my cuz Brian. I couldn't remember the results, so he wanted me to let him know what I figured out. He said, and I quote, "You should blog about it. Because you would." It appears he was correct. This one's for you!
High school senior Jillian Clarke conducted a scientific study during a six week internship at the food science and nutrition department of the University of Illinois. It basically consisted of dropping food on the school floors for different timed intervals to see when the food began to collect bacteria. Now, I am a 5-second rule observer, so I was a little disheartened to find that they discovered a transfer of germs before 5 seconds. However, what needs to be taken into consideration, in my point of view, is the floor upon which the food is being dropped. Obviously. In another study I looked at, they tested their food subjects on floor surfaces that had been generously tainted with monstrous amounts of E coli and salmonella for the purpose of the study. Of course those food pieces are going to be contaminated instantly, silly people. But in Ms. Clarke's study, the floors she tested were swabbed beforehand and found to be surprisingly clean. The bacterial numbers were too small to count. Now, would that make you sick? Probably not. However, all floors are not created equal.
Let's also look at the type of food being dropped. Of course nobody is going to eat a scoop of ice cream that has fallen out of its cone. (At least I hope not). But what of other foods? In a seperate study (Yes, this seems to be a fad among young scientists) they dropped apple slices versus skittles on the floors of their school cafeteria and recorded the results. The apple slices showed no signs of bacteria for about 30 seconds, while the Skittles remained "clean" for about 5 minutes. (Again, another clean cafeteria floor? That's the most unexpected thing I discovered during this whole research thing.)
All in all I guess there is no solid answer. To be on the safe side, health experts advise to err on the side of safety and don't eat anything that has touched those nasty, germ-laden floors. Bacteria is everywhere, it's true, and many harmful germs can be found on a number of surfaces. Are all surfaces guilty of harboring E coli and salmonella? Heavens, I don't know. But I think I'm still going to eat that stray skittle anyway. Especially if it has fallen on a school cafeteria floor, apparently.
I'd also like to mention that Jillian Clarke won the Ig Nobel prize in 2004. It's a parody award granted for "research that first makes you laugh, then makes you think." How cool is that?
And that's my random post for the day.
Oh, OOOHHH I'd like to rant really quickly, before I take my leave, about how disappointed I am that the newest and final Georgia Nicholson book does not come out until October. Want to know how disappointed I am? SO DISAPPOINTED! Gah! I can't even talk about it. Good night.
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2 comments:
I thought that it was the 10 second rule...hum. Sadly to say you would see me dive for food that has hit the ground withing the 10 sec rule.
Sorry to hear about the book...I will have to read the books they sound intriguing. I just finished a series that I think you might like...it is called the summoning or the "the darkest powers" series. It about a girl how can see ghosts and everyone is trying to convince her that she is mentally ill. There is also a werewolf in it...I know how you like werewolves. None of that vampire stuff though. I wrote a review on good reads if you are interested. :)
I know I get side tracked...I can't help it. Sparkle Sparkle...ooooh!
I LOVE The Summoning. It is fab. There is a necromancer, too. And a chick that can light fires with her fingers.
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