Is it safe to eat cold rice?
Eating cold rice can make you sick, mainly due to a type of bacteria called Bacillus cereus in the rice, says nutritionist Abhilasha V. Bacillus cereus does not die during cooking and if the cold rice is left at room temperature, the bacteria can multiply and produce toxins, causing food poisoning.
If you eat leftover rice contaminated with Bacillus cereus bacteria, symptoms of food poisoning can occur within one to five hours. These symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
How to safely store cold rice
- Cool rice quickly: Help prevent bacterial growth by spreading cooked rice on a tray to cool it faster.
- Store in an airtight container: Place cooled rice in a clean, airtight container or plastic bag to prevent air from coming into contact with the rice.
- Refrigeration: Rice should be cooled and stored in the refrigerator within an hour of cooking to minimize the risk of bacterial growth.
