We've seen studies in the past that have found the FIVE-SECOND RULE is a myth.  When you drop food on the floor it gets covered in bacteria, whether you pick it up immediately or not.

And a new study has confirmed it again.  In tests, food collected 150 to 8,000 bacteria after just five seconds on the ground, and 10 times more than that after a minute.  Just 10 salmonella bacteria can make you sick.

The study also found that women are more likely than men to believe in the five-second rule and eat off the floor.  70% of women have followed the five-second rule, versus 50% of men. 

(Jezebel)