Do You Eat Leftover Rice?

Eating Leftover Rice Stored Improperly Could Cause Vomiting and Diarrhea; Dietician Avni Kaul Says How It Needs to be Stored

Rice boasts essential nutrients that support your body and furnish the energy needed for your daily activities. Nevertheless, consuming improperly stored or reheated leftover rice can result in digestive discomfort and the risk of foodborne illnesses, explains India’s top dietician for gastrointestinal health Avni Kaul.

Are you aware of the fried rice syndrome?

After cooking and consuming rice, any excess may be inadvertently left at room temperature for hours, or even overnight. Unfortunately, this creates an environment conducive to bacterial contamination and rapid proliferation. This occurrence is commonly referred to as the “fried rice syndrome.”

What type of bacteria is found in rice?

Bacillus cereus is one of the prevalent bacteria found in rice. This spore-forming microorganism can flourish when the rice becomes contaminated, generating toxins that have the potential to induce food poisoning.

Reheating might not work

The toxins produced by B. cereus in starchy foods exhibit heat resistance. Consequently, reheating leftover rice might not effectively eliminate the bacteria, leaving the potential for food poisoning. It is crucial to recognize that this risk isn’t exclusive to rice alone; any type of grain could harbor bacteria if not stored and reheated properly.

What is the correct way to store the leftover rice for later use?

Bacteria could undergo quick proliferation if rice remains within the temperature range of 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 60 degrees Celsius) for more than two hours. As a precaution, rice should not be left at room temperature for over two hours, and this duration should be reduced to one hour if the ambient temperature exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 32 degrees Celsius. To ensure the safety of your leftover rice against harmful bacteria causing food poisoning, it is important to transfer the rice into a covered container and promptly refrigerate it once it cools down. When stored in a refrigerator maintained below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), leftover rice can be safely consumed for up to four days.

What is the correct method for reheating leftover rice?

For safe consumption of leftover rice, it is recommended to reheat it only once. Opt for reheating only the necessary portion instead of the entire batch. Make sure that both rice and any leftover pasta are heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Enjoy your meal!