It depends on how scrupulous you are, how hungry you are, how well the fallen food sticks, and how well the soil is hygienic. It is often said that there is no danger in gobbling something that has been dropped, as long as you do it within 10 seconds , the time that microbes supposedly need to colonize the appetizing morsel.
But it would be necessary to clarify several details. When food falls to the ground, there is usually a transfer of matter in both directions. So, unless the accident site is completely disinfected, the odd microscopic being will get stuck on the surface of the food , even if only a few seconds have passed. However, it is very unlucky if the tenant is pathogenic and in sufficient quantity to unleash an infection.
Another thing happens if there is humidity in between and liquids or fluids have been spilled – milk, soup, oil, butter -, which are much more permeable to the entry of bacteria, as they offer a greater contact surface.
Published in the Extra of Summer 2011 "Questions and Answers" of VERY Interesting, already in your kiosk.
