The 5-second rule on picking up food after it's dropped on the ground is a myth, scientists say

Many Filipinos believe in the 5-second rule: that it takes germs five seconds to latch on a food item dropped on the floor. 

But scientists say that 5-second rule is a myth.

According to the recent AHA! episode, for one second that the food is on the ground, 1% of germs on the ground will have attached itself to the food already.

Leave it there for five seconds and you'll have 20% of germs already.

Microbiologist Dr. Thomas Edison Dela Cruz said, "Ang ating pagkain kapag ito'y bumagsak sa lupa, ito'y magkakaroon na ng mikrobiyo sa unang segundo palang sa pagbagsak niya."

"Habang pinapatagal natin ang pagkain sa lupa mas maraming mikrobiyo ang pwedeng pumunta sa kanya," he added.

Once a piece of your food falls, remember to let it go. — Kaela Malig/LA, GMA News