Rice is a versatile, easy-to-cook, and inexpensive staple in many cultures around the world, and can be paired with a variety of sauces, meats, vegetables, and spices. Rinsing and cooking are essential to getting the most out of it, as is storing it after cooking. While we’ve all left a pot of rice sitting out in the open for too long, this bad habit can make you very sick.
What is Cantonese rice syndrome?
If you eat rice that has not been properly stored after cooking, you are likely to get “fried rice syndrome” or “fried rice syndrome.” This seemingly harmless name is actually a food poisoning condition caused by a bacterium called Bacillus cereus. Found everywhere in the environment, especially in soil, this bacterium is also found in a variety of foods, especially those rich in starch such as rice, pasta, cereals and potatoes.
When these foods are poorly cooked or stored, especially in the open air for a long time, Bacillus cereus spores proliferate and produce toxins that are dangerous for human consumption. These toxins cause food poisoning characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps, and which, in rare cases, prove to be lethal. Be careful, the toxins produced by this bacteria are not destroyed by cooking since it can survive temperatures ranging from 4 to 55 ° C. Be aware that it is impossible to detect the presence of this bacteria by a particular smell or taste. Furthermore, although washing rice before cooking has beneficial effects, it will have none on the bacteria.
How to store cooked rice properly
When rice is cooked and then left at room temperature for too long, you risk food poisoning. To avoid this, there are a few storage rules to follow.
It is best to eat rice, or pasta, immediately after cooking. If you don’t plan on eating it right away, store it promptly in the refrigerator at a low temperature, ideally 4°C or below, to prevent bacteria growth.
If you are unsure, you can apply the two-hour/four-hour rule. If a food has been out of the refrigerator for two hours or less, it is safe to put back in the cold. After two hours, it is recommended to eat it immediately. After four hours at room temperature, food can start to deteriorate and pose a health risk.
By following these tips, you should minimize the risk of food poisoning and enjoy your rice and pasta dishes safely.
