How Long Can Cooked Rice Be Stored Safely? A Common Mistake Can Lead to Food Poisoning

Many people believe that rice, especially raw rice, can be stored for extended periods without issue. However, this perception changes significantly once rice is cooked. Cooked rice is classified among foods that spoil relatively quickly, particularly if it is not cooled and stored correctly. The general recommendation is that cooked rice should not be left at room temperature for too long. Bacteria known as Bacillus cereus can survive the cooking process and multiply rapidly in cooked rice left at room temperature. If this rice is then consumed, it can lead to food poisoning. To minimize the risk, it is advised to cool cooked rice as quickly as possible, ideally within one hour, and then refrigerate it. Properly stored cooked rice can typically be kept in the refrigerator for about one day. Reheating should be done thoroughly to kill any potential bacteria. If there are any doubts about the freshness or storage of cooked rice, it is best to discard it to avoid the risk of illness.