Beware! Leftover Rice Can Cause Food Poisoning; Here’s How to Stay Safe - Times Now

Once Rice cool down and reach room temperature, it should be covered with a lid to avoid bacterial growth

New Delhi: Rice is a staple food across the world and is known as a rich source of carbohydrates that keep you energised and satisfied. A totally versatile food, rice is a source of many nutrients including fibre, manganese, magnesium, and even vitamin B.

However, health experts are warning against eating leftover rice, which they say causes food poisoning of the severe kinds.

Over some time, there has been an intense social media debate over the usage of leftover rice, which many doctors have said causes intense gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhoea if they have not been properly stored.

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What causes food poisoning in rice?

According to Food and Drug Administration, Bacillus cereus, a foodborne pathogen produces toxins, causing two types of gastrointestinal illness – vomiting, also known as an emetic syndrome, and the diarrhoeal syndrome. Doctors say it happens due to the emetic toxin cereulide, which is produced in the food which is contaminated.

Bacillus cereus infection is typically mild, but it can be dangerous, especially in those who have a weakened immune system.

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Many people believe that leaving cooked rice on the counter would not be any different from keeping any other food item like bread, however, nutritionists say Bacillus cereus in rice can even resist cooking and reheating. When left out for too long after cooking at room temperature, rice can develop into bacteria.

Symptoms of enterotoxins due to Bacillus cereus include:

• Abdominal pain
• Stomach cramps
• Watery diarrhoea
Nausea and vomiting

How to Properly Store Leftover Rice

Ideally, the rice should be served as soon as it has been cooked, and if not possible, nutritionists recommend cooling it as quickly as possible and keeping it in the refrigerator for cooling. Cooked rice can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to three to four months.

That means that cooked rice should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours, and no more than one hour if the temperature is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the temperature of rice reaches room temperature, it should be covered as well.

In particular, you need to be careful with takeouts as you would not know exactly how long your food has been sitting at room temperature.

One of the best ways to make sure your takeout fried rice, or other takeout food, is safe to eat the next day is to get it in the fridge as soon as you bring it home. Fix up your dinner plate, but before you dig in, transfer the leftovers to airtight containers and get them in the fridge.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

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