The main danger comes from a bacteria called Bacillus cereus — a naturally occurring microorganism often found in rice. Here’s the scary part: even after rice is cooked, these spores can survive high heat. When the cooked rice is left out too long before refrigerating, the bacteria grow quickly and produce toxins that can lead to serious food poisoning.
Symptoms may include:
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Stomach cramps
And this can all happen within just 1 to 5 hours after eating contaminated rice.
❌ The Mistake Most People Make
The mistake isn’t storing rice in the refrigerator — it’s how and when you do it.
Most people leave rice out on the counter to cool down “for a while” before putting it in the fridge. That “while” can be too long. Leaving cooked rice at room temperature for more than 1–2 hours gives bacteria the perfect environment to grow.
Even if you refrigerate it afterward, the toxins from the bacteria won’t be killed by cold or reheating.
âś… How to Safely Store Cooked Rice
Here’s how to enjoy leftover rice safely:
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