Rice is one of the most consumed foods in the world due to its versatility, easy preparation, and nutritional value. However, storing cooked rice in the fridge can be much more dangerous than you imagine if it’s not done the right way. In fact, storing improperly cooked rice could lead to serious food poisoning, caused by a bacterium that many people are unaware of. Here’s what really happens when you store cooked rice in the fridge and how you can avoid health problems.
The Real Danger Behind Stored Cooked Rice
Uncooked rice may contain spores of Bacillus cereus, a bacterium that survives high cooking temperatures. When cooked rice is left at room temperature or stored improperly, these spores can become active and multiply rapidly, producing toxins that are dangerous to the body.
The problem? Even if you reheat rice, the toxins produced by Bacillus cereus are resistant to heat and are not removed by heating. This can lead to symptoms of food poisoning such as:
Nausea Vomiting Abdominal
pain Diarrhea
The risk is higher if the rice is left at room temperature for more than two hours before storing it in the refrigerator, as bacteria begin to multiply rapidly in this period.
How to store cooked rice safely?
To prevent the growth of Bacillus cereus and reduce the risk of poisoning, follow these key tips for storing cooked rice safely:
Quickly cool the rice
After cooking the rice, let it cool to room temperature for up to 30 to 60 minutes. If it takes longer to cool, bacteria can begin to proliferate.
Store rice in airtight containers
Once the rice is cool, place it in an airtight container to avoid contact with air and cross-contamination.
Place the rice in the refrigerator immediately
Store the rice in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4°C or below. This slows down bacterial growth and keeps the rice in a safe condition for longer.
Consume rice in a maximum of 24 to 48 hours
Although rice can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator, it is ideal to consume it in the first 24 to 48 hours to ensure its freshness and safety.
Reheat properly
If you decide to reheat rice, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C. If you notice a strange smell or sticky texture, discard the rice immediately.
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