Skip to content

Tag: Germs

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

Is the 20 second rule real?

4 min read
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is a proven method for reducing the spread of germs. However, when it comes to dropped food, is the 20 second rule real? The answer is a surprising mixture of scientifically-backed fact and widespread fiction, depending entirely on the context of its application.

Should banana peels be washed?

4 min read
According to food safety experts, all fresh produce, including bananas, should be washed under running water before consumption. This might seem counterintuitive for a fruit with a protective, inedible peel, but the reasoning is crucial for preventing the transfer of bacteria and other contaminants to the edible flesh.

Does vinegar stop bacteria? The surprising science of a household cleaner

4 min read
According to numerous studies, vinegar has documented antimicrobial properties, with its main component, acetic acid, inhibiting the growth of foodborne pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella when used correctly. However, the key question remains: does vinegar stop bacteria and act as a reliable disinfectant for all household needs?

Does alcohol reduce the chance of food poisoning?

5 min read
While alcohol is a potent external disinfectant, it does not function similarly inside the body. The myth that alcohol can prevent food poisoning is not backed by science and can be dangerous, as it can worsen symptoms and weaken the body's natural defenses.

How bad is it to eat food that fell on the ground?

4 min read
Did you know that bacteria can transfer to food in less than a second? The long-standing myth of the '5-second rule' has been thoroughly debunked by food science, so let's explore just how bad is it to eat food that fell on the ground and what the real risks are to your health.

Can Food Poisoning Occur From Dirty Hands?

4 min read
According to the CDC, proper handwashing can reduce the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by up to 40%, yet a USDA study revealed that participants failed to wash their hands correctly over 95% of the time they should have. This lax hygiene is a primary reason why **food poisoning can occur from dirty hands**, transferring invisible germs to food and surfaces.

Is it okay to eat something that fell on the ground?

4 min read
According to a 2016 study by Rutgers University, bacteria can transfer to dropped food in less than one second. The popular “5-second rule” is a myth, so is it okay to eat something that fell on the ground? The answer depends on a number of factors, and the truth is more complex than a simple time limit.

Is it bad to eat something from the floor?

4 min read
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne illnesses each year, many of which can be caused by bacteria transferred from contaminated surfaces. This fact alone raises a critical question: is it bad to eat something from the floor, and is the popular 'five-second rule' a myth?

Is the 5 Second Rule Healthy? A Scientific Breakdown

4 min read
According to a 2016 study from Rutgers University, bacteria can transfer from a surface to food in less than one second, immediately casting doubt on whether the 5 second rule is healthy. The widely believed notion that you have a grace period before germs contaminate dropped food is a myth, with scientific evidence showing that factors other than time play a much more significant role in contamination.