You can reheat rice only once.
According to food safety guidelines, reheating rice more than once increases the risk of food poisoning. This is because rice can contain spores of Bacillus cereus, a bacterium that can cause vomiting and diarrhea. These spores can survive even when rice is cooked. If cooked rice is left standing at room temperature, the spores can multiply and may produce toxins that cause illness. Reheating the rice can kill the bacteria, but the toxins may remain. Reheating it again further elevates the risk.
Key Considerations for Reheating Rice Safely
To minimize the risk of food poisoning when reheating rice, follow these guidelines:
- Cool Quickly: Cool the cooked rice as quickly as possible (ideally within one hour)
- Store Properly: Store the rice in the refrigerator at or below 4°C (40°F).
- Reheat Thoroughly: Ensure the rice is steaming hot (more than 70°C or 160°F) all the way through when reheating.
- Eat Immediately: Consume the reheated rice immediately, and do not leave it standing at room temperature.
- Do Not Reheat More Than Once: This is the most important rule. Discard any leftover reheated rice.
What if I want to eat leftover rice?
As mentioned in the provided information, it's safe to eat rice cold if it has been cooled and stored correctly. So, instead of reheating the rice multiple times, consider using it cold in salads or other dishes.
