Food poisoning: Can leftover rice make you sick?

Food poisoning is caused by contaminated foods and beverages and is associated with various associated symptoms.

Common symptoms of food poisoning include upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. These symptoms usually start within hours of infection. In some cases, the response can be delayed.

People on TikTok claim that leftover rice caused them food poisoning. Many say that the symptoms caused by leftover rice are worse than other foods. In this article, we bring you all about the recent claims about leftover rice poisoning along with explanations from experts.

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Can leftover rice cause food poisoning?

Microbes or microbial toxins cause foodborne infections (Image via Unsplash/Michael Schiffer)

Symptoms of foodborne illnesses vary depending on the root cause of the illness. For example, experts say that Bacillus cereus is to blame for the infections caused by leftover rice. The nature of the infection and the microbes involved determines the severity of the symptoms.

Common symptoms include:

• Upset stomach.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Diarrhea with blood-containing stools.
• Stomach pain and cramps.
• Fever.
• Headache.

Severe but rare food poisoning associated with pathogens can affect the nervous system and cause the following:

• Blurred or double vision
• Headache
• Loss of movement in limbs
• Problems with swallowing
• Tingling or numbness of the skin
• Weakness
• Changes in the voice

However, these symptoms are quite rare. Milder symptoms can be managed with early and proper medical intervention. People who have experienced foodborne infections from leftover rice have reported symptoms like vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.

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What causes food poisoning?

Many microorganisms, called contaminants or pathogens, can cause foodborne illnesses. The food and drink that carries such a pathogen are called 'contaminated'. Food can be contaminated with any of the following microbes:

• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Parasites
• Poisons, also called toxins
• Bacteria that carry or make toxins
• Molds that make toxins

Foodborne infections can be caused by any of these microbes or toxins and can be prevented by adopting a hygienic lifestyle and practices. Leftover rice and other foods must be stored in a hygienic location to prevent contamination. Microbes like Bacillus cereus can cause diarrhea and vomiting.

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How to prevent food poisoning?

Washing hands properly can prevent infections (Image via Unsplash/Rizal Hilman)

Be it leftover rice or any other food source, the following habits can prevent foodborne illnesses:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the toilet, before eating and before and after handling food.
• Wash fruits and vegetables well.
• Wash kitchen utensils, cutting boards and knives thoroughly.
• Don't have raw or undercooked meat or fish.
• Refrigerate or freeze leftovers.
• Cook leftovers safely, and reheat them well.
• Throw out stale, and moldy food.
• Clean your refrigerator regularly.

Leftover rice can last four to six days when stored in hygienic conditions. It must be properly reheated and consumed. Anything older than six days must be thrown away.

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Indranil Biswas is a nutritionist and personal trainer with a diploma in dietetics and personal training with a specialization in sports nutrition and strength training.

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