Food Experts Advise That Eating Leftover Rice May Not Be Safe
July 17, 2019
source: Kauvery Hospital / Gettyimages
Rice is one of those foods that can be used in practically every meal. From stir fry, to burrito bowls, to on its own as a side dish, most people eat rice on a regular basis. Because rice is so cheap, we tend to make a ton of it, meaning that there are usually leftovers. However, it’s actually not a great idea to eat that leftover rice.
When rice is left sitting at room temperature, it can easily come into contact with bacteria spores called bacillius cereus. You definitely don’t want to consume rice contaminated with this bacteria, as it causes a serious form of food poisoning that includes vomiting and diarrhea. No thanks!
To prevent your rice from contracting the bacillius cereus bacteria, you should never leave it sitting out at room temperature, and should refrigerate leftovers right away. Be wary of rice served at restaurants, as it’s often cooked in bulk and left to sit out for extended periods of time.
When refrigerating leftover rice, also make sure that you store it in an airtight container. Although rice doesn’t taste quite as good the day after it’s made, it is safe to eat — as long as you’re following these important tips!