Is the five-second rule legit? Nearly half of Americans think so

This story version has been formatted as an on-air script for broadcast outlets. See original research story here.

“CLEAN STANDARDS”

THE AVERAGE AMERICAN EATS FOOD OFF THE FLOOR ABOUT FOUR TIMES PER MONTH.

THAT’S ACCORDING TO A NEW POLL OF 2,000 AMERICANS CONDUCTED BY ONEPOLL ON BEHALF OF ECOLAB.

RESULTS REVEALED THAT 44% FOLLOW “THE FIVE SECOND RULE.”

HOWEVER, MORE THAN HALF (52%) AGREE THAT THERE ARE SOME PLACES THEY WOULD EXTEND THE RULE TO ABOUT 10 SECONDS.

THOSE PLACES ARE IN THEIR OWN HOME (63%), A RESTAURANT (55%) AND A HOSPITAL OR MEDICAL FACILITY (55%).

MANY ALSO SAY THERE ARE ALSO PLACES THEY WOULD NEVER CONSIDER EATING FOOD OFF THE FLOOR NO MATTER HOW LONG IT WAS THERE, LIKE BATHROOMS (60%), PUBLIC STREETS OR SIDEWALKS (59%) AND AIRPORTS (57%).

TO REDUCE THE SPREAD OF GERMS, RESPONDENTS TRY NOT TO TOUCH SURFACES IN RESTROOMS (46%), ENTRY DOORS (43%) AND BAR COUNTERS (42%).

MOST RESPONDENTS SAY THEY REALIZED THE IMPORTANCE OF CLEANING AND CLEANLINESS AROUND THE AGE OF 27.

TOP CLEANEST PLACES

• My own home - 44%
• A family member’s home - 42%
• A doctor’s office or medical facility - 41%
• A Michelin star restaurant - 34%
• A local restaurant or chain - 33%
• A friend’s home - 29%
• A chain store - 25%
• A local store - 20%
• A local hotel or motel - 17%
• A chain hotel or motel - 11%