913. Using the Top Paper Plate

In this episode of Risky or Not, Professors Ben Chapman and Don Schaffner tackle the viral TikTok trend claiming that the top paper plate is significantly more contaminated than the middle or bottom plates. After watching a video showing bacterial growth on swabbed paper plates—particularly heavy growth of Bacillus on the top plate—the hosts debate the scientific validity of the results. While they agree the top plate is not inherently risky from a food safety standpoint, they express serious concerns about the methodology: unclear incubation times, unknown growth media, lack of dilution protocols, and selective focus on Bacillus without accounting for other microbes. They emphasize that bacteria are ubiquitous, concentration matters, and the video's dramatic visuals may mislead viewers into unnecessary waste. The hosts conclude that using any paper plate—top, middle, or bottom—is not risky, but caution against overreacting to sensationalized content. They also reflect on the broader issue of misinformation on social media and the responsibility of content creators to provide transparent methods.