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The Safety of Cooked Rice

Rice is used in a variety of ways in many meals. But it, like other grains, must be handled safely to prevent foodborne illness. Some may say leftover rice should never be reheated or to not even eat cold cooked rice. Let’s look at this issue.

Grains in general can carry Bacillus cereus spores. Like all spores, they can survive cooking temperatures. Therefore, temperature abuse can lead to foodborne illness especially if not properly cooled. Improper cooling can allow spores to germinate, produce toxin, and then foodborne illness occurs.

We’ve all heard of the Temperature Danger Zone! Serve rice hot and cool leftovers quickly. Place in shallow containers for faster cooling. If serving leftover rice hot, reheat until piping hot, at least 165°F. Rice can also be served cold in foods such as a vegetable salad.

Source: https://bit.ly/2uXWhZU

 

About Karen Blakeslee

The Rapid Response Center was formed in 1995 as a resource for Kansas State University Research & Extension Agents. Resource topics included Food Science, Human Nutrition, Food Service, Textiles, Home Care and other consumer topics. Since that time, the Center has grown to be of valuable assistance to Kansas State University Extension Specialists in those areas.
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