In an announcement that left many in shock, the CDC has extended the widely accepted Five-Second-Rule to seven seconds.

According to the study cited, an overwhelming majority of germs are unable to climb aboard fallen food within the first seven seconds of impact with the ground, moving slower than the five seconds previously estimated. 

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky explained the updated guidance in a statement on Tuesday morning:

Let’s say for example its a Monday night and you sit down on your couch after a long day at work, and you turn on the new season of The Bachelor to unwind.

Let’s say you open up a bag of Cheddar-Jalapeño Cheetos and take a handful up to your mouth, but then one of them slips between your fingers and drops to the floor.

As long as you are able to pick up the lost Cheeto within the recommended seven second timeframe, then the science is clear:

Eat the Cheeto.

She then briefly took questions from the press:

Q: Dr. Walensky, do you recommend counting to seven Mississippi? Or just a straight up 1-2-3-4-5-6-7?

A: Thank you for your question, but please allow me to clarify something: It’s not me making the recommendation, it’s the science. And the science says Mississippi. 

Q: Is there any leeway in the rule if, for example, someone took eight seconds to pick up their food, but they blow on it after picking it up?

A: The data on blowing is still unclear. Early indication is that a moderately powerful, well-aimed blow can clear off up to 70% of germs. However until these studies are completed, you’ll have to stay tuned for future guidance.

Q: Hi Dr. Walensky, in your example, you mentioned the new season of the Bachelor. Have you been watching this season, and if so, what are your thoughts on Clayton?

A: Clayton is just kind of an average guy, I guess he seems nice enough. I’m definitely rooting for him to find love, but we’ll certainly have to see what happens with this group of girls. 

Q: Do you have any comment for those who find the timing of this announcement suspicious, given that The Bachelor was on last night, you clearly watched it, and your fingers still have orange Cheeto dust on them?

A: I do not, and there will be no further questions at this time. Thank you.