If the stories you follow on social media are anything to go by, leftover rice from the day before can even kill you… But is it? What do the experts say? The truth is that cooked rice stored at room temperature for too long (…)
If there is any truth to the stories you follow on social media, it’s the leftover rice from the day before it can even kill you…
But is it so? What do the experts say?
The truth is that cooked rice left at room temperature for too long can be a breeding ground for various bacteria such as Bacillus cereus.
Professor Si Ming Man of the Australian National University’s Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases explains that this bacterium loves the warm, moist environment that cooked rice provides.
This particular bacterium is characterized by the fact that its spores are resistant enough to withstand cooking and then begin to grow, producing toxins that are not destroyed even if you heat the food at high temperatures if the food is not refrigerated and kept out. man Although some talk about the “returned rice syndrome”, the bacteria is not only found in rice, but also in other foods (steaks, pasta salads, milkshakes).
But how is it that we all eat reheated food (or even cold leftovers) repeatedly without getting sick?
Martin Wiedmann, a professor of food safety at Cornell University, says the reason we don’t hear about this risk often is because “the disease is usually very mild compared to other foodborne illnesses.” Symptoms occur with vomiting or diarrhea, but both usually resolve on their own within 24 hours. People with immunodeficiency, children under 5 years old, adults over 65 years old, pregnant women and people with weak immunity are excluded. Nevertheless, experts agree that even healthy people should follow some simple rules.
How long does rice keep in the refrigerator?
The US Department of Health allows four to six days (and up to four days for most cooked meals) to eat cooked rice, provided it is refrigerated and never left out for more than two hours (or one hour at most). hot). Some experts say that it should be consumed within four days and not reheated more than once, because the more it leaves the refrigerator, the longer it remains in the danger zone.
Can we store cooked rice in the freezer?
Cooked rice can be frozen for up to six months, but is best consumed within two months.
Thaw in the refrigerator and then reheat or pour directly into soups and simmering stews.
How is rice heated?
To reheat cold rice and restore its texture, it can be reheated in a pan with a little liquid and ghee or other oil. Others use the microwave, sprinkle some water on top first, and cover on high. Either way, the rice can regain the moisture it lost in the refrigerator.