The widespread habit of preserving food has led many to store leftovers in containers and eat them later. But behind this everyday act is a danger that often goes unnoticed and can have unpleasant consequences.
TikToker Miguel Assal shed light on this particular rice problem. Surprisingly, the danger lies not in reheating but in the way it is preserved after cooking. In fact, the main risk lies in keeping it at room temperature. Although the rice appears harmless at first glance and tastes no different when reheated, it is precisely under these seemingly banal conditions that “the symptoms quickly emerge.”
The main reason for this warning is the proliferation of a gram-positive bacterium called Bacillus Cereus. This bacterium finds the appropriate environment for its growth and reproduction in rice that is kept at room temperature for more than an hour. Therefore, it is important to understand that a dangerous process has been triggered inside the rice, even if the consumer does not perceive any obvious differences in taste or appearance.
The risks of consuming rice contaminated with this bacterium vary in severity and range from gastrointestinal complaints to critical health situations. In very extreme cases, it could be fatal.
In this context, the Tiktoker highlights a recommendation that, although it may seem trivial, can make a crucial difference: rice should not be left at room temperature for more than an hour. It is important to realize that this simple lack of attention can result in a medical emergency. Therefore, the next step after cooking the rice is simple but crucial: immediately store the leftovers in the refrigerator.
