Leftover Rice Can Be Risky—Here’s Why, Many of us store leftover rice without a second thought.
But rice can harbor Bacillus cereus, a bacteria that survives cooking and can cause food poisoning if rice isn’t cooled and stored properly.
The Danger:
If cooked rice sits out too long before being refrigerated, bacteria can multiply. Reheating doesn’t destroy the toxins they produce, meaning even microwaved rice can make you sick. Symptoms—like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea—can strike within hours.