Everyone Needs to Pay Attention When Reheating Cold Rice
Rice is a staple food enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. It is versatile, affordable, and can be prepared in countless ways. However, what many people do not realize is that rice carries a hidden risk when it comes to reheating leftovers. Improper handling of cooked rice can expose you to food poisoning, which is why it is important to know the safe practices for storing and reheating it.
Why Cold Rice Can Be Risky
Cooked rice may contain spores of a bacterium called Bacillus cereus. These spores can survive the cooking process and multiply if rice is left out at room temperature for too long. Once the bacteria grow, they produce toxins that reheating cannot destroy. Consuming such rice can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Safe Storage of Rice
To reduce risks, follow these safety measures:
Cool quickly: Once rice is cooked, it should not be left sitting out for more than an hour. Place it in a shallow container and cool it rapidly.
Refrigerate properly: Store rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator at 4°C (40°F) or below.
Do not store too long: Ideally, rice should be consumed within 24 hours, and never stored for more than three days.
