Leftovers can make life easier. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or the day after takeout, reheating a bowl of rice seems harmless.
But rice is one food that needs some caution. If it’s been sitting out too long, reheating it later could make you sick to your stomach.
You may have heard about “fried rice syndrome” on TikTok. While the name sounds like a joke, it’s based on a real type of food poisoning caused by bacteria that thrive on cooked rice.
While you don’t need to run to your fridge and toss your leftover rice, here are a few things to know to keep your leftovers safe.
What is fried rice syndrome?
The nickname fried rice syndrome refers to food poisoning caused by Bacillus cereus (B. cereus). It’s a spore-forming germ commonly found in soil.
But this bacterium doesn’t just affect fried rice. It can grow on any cooked rice, pasta or starchy foods that have been left out too long. All it needs is the right environment.
“Unlike common foodborne bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, cooking or reheating your food won’t protect you from B. cereus,” said Jessika Hinz, DO, an infectious disease specialist with Banner Health. “B. cereus produces a type of cell called a spore, which can survive heating, microwaving and even boiling.”
The problem isn’t the bacteria itself, but the toxins the spores produce. Reheating can kill active bacteria, but the toxins they left behind while the rice sat out can still make you sick.
“In the right conditions, a colony of B. cereus can double in size every 20 minutes at around 86°F (30°C), producing enough toxins to make you sick,” Dr. Hinz said.
What are the symptoms of rice-related food poisoning?
Symptoms of food poisoning usually appear quickly, within six to 12 hours after eating contaminated rice. You might experience:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain or cramping
- Diarrhea
The illness often comes on suddenly and can feel severe.
“Vomiting tends to appear about six hours after eating contaminated food,” Dr. Hinz said. “Diarrhea develops later, around 10 to 12 hours after eating the rice. Most cases get better within 24 hours and don’t require antibiotics.”
If you think you’ve gotten food poisoning from rice, the best thing to do is rest and stay hydrated. Sip on water, electrolyte drinks or clear broths to replace lost fluids.
Call your health care provider or seek urgent care if you experience:
- Continuous vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- Diarrhea lasting longer than 48 hours
- High fever or blood in the stool
- Symptoms in older adults, young children or anyone with a weakened immune system
[Also read: The Difference Between Food Poisoning and the Stomach Flu.]
Can you die from fried rice syndrome?
It’s very unlikely. While the bacteria can cause serious infections in rare cases, most people recover quickly without medical treatment.
Still, prevention is the best medicine. Since cooking and reheating can’t destroy the toxin, the only way to stay safe is to stop the bacteria from multiplying in the first place.
Tips to prevent food poisoning from cooked rice
1. Cool it quickly
Once you’re done cooking, don’t let rice sit out on the stove or counter. Spread it out in a shallow dish or tray to cool faster. Refrigerate it within one to two hours at most.
2. Store it properly
Don’t put a hot, covered pot of rice in the fridge. That will trap heat and take longer to cool.
Keep rice in a covered airtight container in the refrigerator. If you have takeout, remove the contents and put them in an airtight container as well.
If you batch cook rice for the week, divide it into individual portions and cool each container separately. Don’t stack them in the fridge as this can trap heat and take a long time to cool.
Cooked rice can keep for up to three or four days in the refrigerator. If you don’t think you’ll eat it within that time, freeze it right away.
“Frozen rice can be stored for several months but use it within three months,” Dr. Hinz said.
[Also read: A Guide to Freezing (and Defrosting) Food.]
3. Reheat safely
When reheating rice, make sure it’s steaming hot all the way through. It should be at least 65°F (74°C). Don’t reheat rice more than once. Throw away any leftovers that have been reheated before.
4. Don’t leave it out again
Once rice has been cooked and cooled, try to avoid letting it sit at room temperature again. If you’re serving rice for a meal or buffet, keep it warm above 140°F (60°C) or chilled below 40°F (4°C).
5. And, when in doubt, throw it out!
If the rice smells sour, has a slimy texture or you’re just not sure how long it’s been in the fridge, toss it out. It’s not worth the risk.
Takeaway
Getting sick from leftover rice isn’t fun for anyone, but you don’t have to stop eating rice. It’s nutritious, versatile and part of a healthy diet.
Just remember that a little food safety goes a long way. Cook it well, cool it quickly and store it safely. That’s all it takes to avoid food poisoning and enjoy your leftovers with confidence.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of food poisoning or have ongoing digestive concerns, Banner Health Urgent Care is here to help.
