Schaffner’s research isn’t the first to conclude that the favorite excuse for why that yummy snack that fell on the ground is still OK to eat is wrong.
The research did find that longer contact time means more bacterial transfer, but that the type of food and surface is just as, or more, important.
The Rutgers researchers tested watermelon, bread, bread and butter, and gummy candy on stainless steel, ceramic tile, wood and carpet.
They found that watermelon had the most contamination, and that transfer of bacteria is affected most by moisture.