Is it safe to eat leftover rice?
Eating leftover rice from the previous meal is a habit of many people, however, this can affect health. The reason is that leftover rice can contain a type of bacteria called Bacillus cereus.
Nutritionist Abhilasha V (India) said: "Bacillus cereus spores do not die during cooking and if leftover rice is kept at room temperature, the spores can multiply and produce toxins, causing food poisoning".
After cooking, if rice is left at room temperature for more than two hours, bacteria will begin to multiply rapidly, especially in warm environments. In many cases, reheating rice may not eliminate the risk of illness if the rice has been contaminated.
"If you eat leftover rice contaminated with Bacillus cereus bacteria, symptoms of food poisoning can occur within one to five hours. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Although these symptoms are short-lived, they can have serious consequences, especially for people with weakened immune systems," says Abhilasha.
How to store cooked rice?
Cool rice quickly
After cooking, cool the rice quickly to prevent the growth of bacteria that thrive in warm environments. To do this, spread the cooked rice on a clean baking sheet or shallow pan to cool it more quickly.
Store in an airtight container.
Once the rice has cooled, transfer it to a clean, airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This prevents air from coming into contact with the rice, which can introduce bacteria and dry out the rice.
Box labeling
Always label the container or bag with the storage date so you can keep track of how long the rice has been stored. This helps ensure you use the rice within the safe storage period.
Refrigerant
Cooked rice should be cooled and refrigerated within an hour of cooking to reduce the risk of bacterial growth. Store cooked rice in the refrigerator at a temperature below 4°C. Cooked rice can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days, after which time it should be discarded as the risk of bacterial contamination is high.
