Testing the five-second rule.

• Position: FOOD - Brief article

You just dropped your ice cream sandwich on the floor. Do you toss it or follow the "five-second rule," which says it's OK to eat dropped food if you pick it up within five seconds? Biology students at Aston University in Birmingham, England, did some research and say you can dive right in. The students measured how quickly two common bacteria hop aboard snacks dropped on tiles, linoleum, and carpet. Moist foods--like saucy pasta or sticky gummy bears--seem to stay germ-free for up to five seconds. Dry foods--like cookies and toast--are safe for 30 seconds or longer if...