Is the “five-second rule” valid?

Nearly two-thirds of U.S. parents admit telling their kids that it’s OK to eat something that fell on the floor if they pick it up in less than five seconds. A new study by Clorox and San Diego State University, however, found that food can attract germs in less than five seconds. The study found that countertops are the dirtiest place to drop food, followed by carpeting and tiled floors.