This is why leftover rice should never be consumed. Rice is filling, delicious, simple to prepare, and a great accompaniment to practically any meal, among other things. It is one of the oldest cereals on the market and a staple of millions of people’s daily diets all around the world.
You may not be aware, though, that there are particular guidelines for storing rice so that it may be consumed safely the next day and that, if improperly maintained, it can cause significant sickness.
Rice Served At Ambient Temperature
You must keep in mind how rice is handled once it has been cooked. Never keep leftover rice at room temperature on the counter for an extended period of time. This is due to the fact that rice includes the bacteria Bacillus cereus, which can survive boiling. If cooked rice is left at room temperature for an extended period of time, this bacterium can develop and result in food poisoning.
Chilled Leftover Rice
It’s crucial to understand that this bacterium can withstand heat. Therefore, even after being heated through, the bacterium will persist in rice leftovers that have been left out at room temperature for too long.
In other words, it is vital to promptly refrigerate cooked rice that you did not intend to eat right away in order to prevent illness and food poisoning.
Cooking rice is highly moist, which can make it a great habitat for bacteria if left at room temperature for longer than two hours, as stated by Southern Living. Be careful and cool any leftover rice right away, whether by spreading it out on parchment paper or placing it in the refrigerator.
