Bacteriophobic scientists want to waste your food
Posted on 21. Jul, 2010 by Simon in Curiosities, Food
Professor Paul Dawson studies food science at Clemson University. His pro-tip for a healthy diet?
Don’t eat food off the floor. Like, never. Like, take your five second rule and shove it.
The story from today’s Globe & Mail features Dawson citing fact after fact over why you shouldn’t eat anything that hits the ground. Pathogens can live dormant for days. They can transfer to food instantly. Etc. etc.
This might sound logical.
So the next time you drop a steak on the floor, should you just throw that delicious cut of meat out?
Dawson says yes. Me? I say this “Professor” is off his rocker.
Check out this choice quote from the “food scientist” in question:
“If I’m at a party and there’s a dip, I probably won’t participate in it.”
Whaaaat? Ok, first off, who “participates” in a dip? Who says that? Second of all, you’re too paranoid to even dip your chip at a party? That’s how scared of bacteria you are?
Suddenly, taking advice on my eating habits from this guy seems like the equivalent of asking Mel Gibson for relationship wisdom.
Personally, I subscribe to a 10-second rule. Hey, whatever doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger right?
Unless it doesn’t. But oh well, at least you’ll be full.
Dust
Jul 21st, 2010
Yeah, I’m thinking he’s missing out on a lot. I’m also betting his wife/partner is missing out on a lot too. If he’s not even willing to eat off the floor, then he’s probably not willing to eat… certain other things…
-d
Anupa
Jul 21st, 2010
@Simon: I find it interesting that you prescribe to your own personal 10-second rule, but have tagged this post with the more common “five second rule.” Why do you allow yourself those extra five seconds? Are you flying in the face of bacterial infection? Do tapeworms not disgust you? Are you very, very hungry?
@Dust: Oh, that’s nasty.
Simon
Jul 21st, 2010
Partly because I will eat anything. Partly because I’m Asian and was taught not to waste food ever. Partly because I’m stupid.
However, I realized these tenets don’t apply to everyone, thus the more general tagging. Gotta consider those SEO rules right?