Daal rice, rajma rice, biryani, fried rice – the list of our favourite rice dishes is pretty long. This means that a lot of rice is cooked in Indian households almost every day. And leftover rice is more common than we realise. Unlike raw rice, cooked rice gets contaminated quickly. Hence, it is important to store it carefully to prevent foodborne illnesses. Always cool cooked rice immediately and store it in an airtight container to prevent contamination. According to the USDA, cooked rice should be stored at a temperature of 5 degrees Celsius or below. Also, don’t forget to reheat it thoroughly before eating.
Also read: Leftover Rice Recipes: 5 Delicious Leftover Rice Recipes
How long should cooked rice keep in the refrigerator?
In an Instagram post, gut health and Ayurveda coach Dimple Jangda said that cooked rice should not be kept in the fridge for more than 24 hours. She credited the National Health Service (NHS) UK website for this suggestion, which says that rice kept in the fridge should be consumed within 24 hours and should never be reheated more than once.
Why is it important to store cooked rice properly?
Raw rice often contains spores of bacteria called Bacillus cereus, which can cause food poisoning. These bacteria can survive even after the rice is cooked and can grow rapidly if the rice is kept at room temperature for too long. Even if cooked rice is refrigerated, the moisture and humidity can create a favorable environment for mold growth. The bacteria can produce toxins that can cause food poisoning.
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What is fried rice syndrome?
Fried rice syndrome refers to food poisoning caused by Bacillus cereus. This type of bacteria forms spores that release harmful toxins.
Which types of rice are at risk?
Both brown and white rice may contain Bacillus cereus spores. Mold can also grow on rice, appearing as a black, green or white powder. The most common mold on rice is Aspergillus oryzae, which can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Also read: White Rice for Diabetics: Is it Good for Health or Not?
What conditions promote fungal growth on rice?
Molds thrive in specific conditions, including:
- Lack of natural sunlight
- Humidity level above 55%
- Ambient temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit
- Source of nutrients
- What is the danger of eating moldy rice?
Mold can produce mycotoxins such as aflatoxin, which can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, and even liver damage.
Can both mold and bacteria grow on cooked rice? Yes, both mold and bacteria can grow on cooked rice. Bacteria can survive the cooking process and grow when left at room temperature. Also, some types of mold can grow in cold environments.
What are the health risks of eating moldy or contaminated rice?
Eating moldy or contaminated rice can cause a variety of illnesses, including vomiting, diarrhea, chills, muscle fatigue and stomach cramps. Aflatoxins, produced by mold strains such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, are cancer-causing toxins. In small amounts, they can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, headache and difficulty breathing.
How can you prevent food poisoning from cooked rice?
- Serve the cooked rice immediately.
- Before storing leftover rice in the fridge, cool it quickly by dipping it in cold water.
- Do not keep cooked rice in the refrigerator for more than 24 hours.
- Heat the rice thoroughly before eating.
- If fungus is seen on any cooked rice, throw it away.
By following these guidelines you can greatly reduce the risk of food poisoning from cooked rice.
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