The 5-Second Rule and Other Myths: Protecting Kids’ Health at School

Five seconds might fly by to us, but to microbes, it’s plenty of time to hitch a ride on fallen food. Of course, try telling that to a hungry kindergartner whose ham sandwich hit the cafeteria floor.

No, really: Tell him. After all, his life could depend on whether he bites back into his lunch. Far too many kids are getting sick or worse thanks to rising strains of bacterial and viral diseases.