Germ expert Professor Anthony Hilton just gave a boost of confidence to those who practice the five-second rule.

We've all heard of the rule: food dropped on the floor is safe to eat as long as you pick it up within 5 seconds...10 seconds if the food is really good or you're really hungry.

For years, people have been trying to discredit the theory because of its obvious flaws. Bacteria don't just hold off from a piece of toast on the floor because it's only been two seconds.

"Obviously, food covered in visible dirt shouldn't be eaten, but as long as it's not obviously contaminated, the science shows that food is unlikely to have picked up harmful bacteria from a few seconds spent on an indoor floor," says Professor Hilton. "That is not to say that germs can't transfer from the floor to the food. Our research has shown that the nature of the floor surface, the type of food dropped on the floor and the length of time it spends on the floor can all have an impact on the number that can transfer."

One survey conducted asked 2,000 people if they abide by the five-second rule, and an overwhelming 79% said they do.

The key thing to remember here is that your judgement must always be used. Did you just walk on that floor in your bare feet after the gym? Maybe you take a pass on eating that piece of cheese, then.

Do you use the 5 second rule? Or do you think it's gross? Let us know!