Experts Recommend Safety Measures to Avoid Food Poisoning from Leftover Rice

While many people are aware of the risks associated with consuming raw chicken, unrefrigerated mayonnaise, and unwashed produce, not as many people are aware that even cooked rice can cause gastrointestinal problems. Videos on TikTok are showing people becoming ill after eating leftover rice, prompting many to question whether or not it is safe to consume.

According to nutrition experts, there is a very good reason why people can become sick after consuming leftover rice. Bacteria spores are heat-resistant and can survive even after rice is cooked and reheated, but leaving the rice out for too long at room temperature can encourage the spores to develop into bacteria. This can cause food poisoning, which can be particularly risky for those who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or under the age of five. It is estimated that about 48 million people in the United States suffer from food poisoning each year, and in severe cases, it can even lead to death.

When it comes to rice, cooked rice can still harbor certain bacteria that can make a person fall ill if not stored and reheated properly. For example, Bacillus cereus, which is found in the soil, can produce a toxin that causes gastrointestinal problems when ingested. This bacteria is responsible for over 63,000 cases of foodborne illness each year in the United States alone.

To avoid the risk of food poisoning, cooked rice should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours, and no more than one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it is no longer hot, it should be placed in a covered container in the refrigerator. Once cooled and stored below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, leftover rice is good for up to four days.

When reheating leftover rice, portioning out a serving to reheat is recommended instead of reheating the entire batch to avoid the reheating-storing-reheating pattern. All leftovers, regardless of what they are, should be reheated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure safety.

When considering the safety of eating leftover rice, the risk is linked only to improper storage practices. Rice provides many important nutrients to keep people energized and well-nourished, so enjoying rice and eating it for leftovers the next day is a healthy and safe option—so long as it’s being stored and reheated correctly.