Overview

• Nicholas Aicher, a Chicago microbiologist, conducted an experiment testing bacterial contamination on food dropped on the floor for durations ranging from zero seconds to one minute.
• The results showed that all samples, including those with zero-second exposure, displayed measurable microbial growth, disproving the five-second rule.
• The experiment revealed no significant difference in bacterial levels between food left on the floor for five seconds and one minute.
• Aicher shared his findings on TikTok, where his video quickly went viral, sparking widespread discussion on food safety and hygiene practices.
• While many viewers expressed shock and reconsidered their habits, some questioned the methodology, suggesting the need for a control sample.