How to eat leftover rice right? Safety tips

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Malayalis cannot survive without enjoying piping hot rice with delicious curries, at least once a day. However, it has become a routine in many households to cook rice in huge batches and store it in the fridge due to hectic schedules and a busy lifestyle. Most people think it is safe to reheat leftover rice and enjoy it as needed, rather than cooking it fresh every day. However, studies suggest that consuming leftover rice without taking enough precautions may lead to severe health issues and even be fatal.
Uncooked rice grains serve as a breeding ground for Bacillus cereus bacteria, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. These bacteria can survive high temperatures and may not be destroyed even if the rice is cooked. The bacteria will start reproducing when the leftover rice reaches 40 – 140 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Bacillus cereus bacteria cause around 63,400 food poisoning in the US each year.
The risk of food poisoning is significant when cooked rice is left at room temperature for an extended period. Rice kept outside for hours before refrigeration can cause food poisoning when reheated. The best way to store rice is to keep it in the fridge within one hour of cooking. It is also not advisable to put reheated rice back in the refrigerator, as it could lead to severe health issues.