Tag: Cooked rice storage

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), foodborne illnesses like 'reheated rice syndrome' affect millions each year, and the cause is often improper food handling. If you've ever wondered why are you not supposed to eat reheated rice, the surprising answer lies not in the reheating itself, but in how the rice was stored after its initial cooking.

According to the Food Standards Agency, improper cooling and reheating of cooked rice is a leading cause of foodborne illness caused by *Bacillus cereus*, a bacteria that can produce harmful toxins. This fact highlights why many consumers are concerned and frequently ask: Is rice in the bag safe to eat?

According to the FDA, an estimated 63,400 cases of *Bacillus cereus* illness are reported in the US each year, often linked to improper handling of starchy foods. It's a prime example of when to be careful with rice, as this common bacterium highlights the important health considerations surrounding this pantry staple.