Never store cooked rice in the refrigerator without knowing this: the danger that no one tells you about.

Rice is one of the most consumed foods in the world due to its versatility, ease of preparation, and nutritional value. However, storing cooked rice in the refrigerator can be much more dangerous than you might imagine if not done correctly. In fact, improper storage of cooked rice could lead to serious food poisoning caused by a bacteria that many people are unaware of. Below, we explain what really happens when you store cooked rice in the refrigerator and how you can avoid health problems.

The real danger behind stored cooked rice

Raw rice can contain spores of Bacillus cereus , a bacterium that survives high cooking temperatures. When cooked rice is left at room temperature or stored improperly, these spores can activate and multiply rapidly, producing toxins that are dangerous to the body.

The problem? Even if you reheat the rice, the toxins produced by Bacillus cereus are heat-resistant and are not eliminated by heating. This can cause symptoms of food poisoning such as:

Nausea,
vomiting,
abdominal pain
, diarrhea

The risk is greater if the rice is left at room temperature for more than two hours before being stored in the refrigerator, as bacteria begin to multiply rapidly during this period.

How to store cooked rice safely?

To prevent the growth of Bacillus cereus and reduce the risk of food poisoning, follow these key tips for safely storing cooked rice:

1. Cool the rice quickly.
   After cooking the rice, let it cool to room temperature for a maximum of 30 to 60 minutes . If it takes longer to cool, bacteria can begin to multiply.
2. Store the rice in airtight containers.
   Once the rice is cold, place it in an airtight container to avoid contact with air and cross-contamination.
3. Place the rice in the refrigerator immediately.
   Store rice in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4°C or lower . This slows bacterial growth and keeps the rice safe for longer.
4. Consume the rice within 24 to 48 hours.
   Although rice can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator , it is best to consume it within the first 24 to 48 hours to guarantee its freshness and safety.
5. Reheat properly.
   If you decide to reheat the rice, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C . If you notice a strange smell or a sticky texture, discard the rice immediately .

What happens if you freeze cooked rice?

If you’re not going to use the rice within the next 24 hours, a safe alternative is to freeze it . To freeze cooked rice properly:

Let the rice cool quickly after cooking.
Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Frozen cooked rice can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
To thaw, use the refrigerator or microwave, never room temperature.

Why can this trick prevent poisoning?

The secret lies in rapid cooling and storage . Bacillus cereus proliferates rapidly at temperatures between 5°C and 55°C . By cooling the rice quickly and storing it in the refrigerator or freezer, you significantly reduce the chance of the spores becoming active and producing dangerous toxins.

Storing cooked rice in the refrigerator is very common, but if you don’t do it correctly, you could be putting your health at risk . The key is to cool the rice quickly, store it in an airtight container, and consume it within 24 to 48 hours. If you have any doubts about the rice’s freshness or notice a strange odor, it’s best to discard it to avoid food poisoning. Put these tips into practice and enjoy your cooked rice safely and deliciously!