Tips

Can You Eat Moldy Rice?

Rice is integral to the diets of many, especially in Vietnam. However, improper storage and exposure to changing weather conditions and high humidity can lead to rice developing mold. It is important to emphasize that consuming or feeding poultry with moldy rice can be detrimental to one's health, potentially causing liver and stomach ailments, and even cancer.

Administrator

28 July, 2024

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1 How to Spot Moldy Rice

Good quality rice is usually aesthetically pleasing with a bright white color, while some unpolished rice varieties may appear slightly opaque.

Rice that has been exposed to moisture will exhibit a change in color from white to creamy white or yellowish, and over time, it will develop a distinct greenish tinge associated with mold.

When making rice pancakes, some households soak rice to grind it into a batter. If the soaked rice changes color after 24 hours, it indicates that the rice has started to mold, and the interaction with water accelerates the process.

Moldy rice

2 Is It Safe to Eat Moldy Rice?

Moldy rice and other moldy foods are often a breeding ground for aflatoxin – a highly toxic substance. These toxins are not destroyed by regular cooking temperatures and can only be reduced by cooking for over 30 minutes at 120°C.

Scientists from Cornell University (USA) have proven that aflatoxin causes a poisoning syndrome, leading to vomiting, abdominal pain, lung edema, convulsions, coma, and even death due to brain and heart edema, as well as fat accumulation in the liver and kidneys.

The dangers of eating moldy rice

3 How to Remove the Musty Smell from Rice

If only a portion of your rice has molded, don’t discard it all at once. To prevent waste, you should discard the molded portion and dry or sun-dry the remaining rice directly. After drying, transfer the rice to a bag, jar, or container and store it carefully, preventing moisture from causing mold again.

To reduce the musty smell, rinse the rice thoroughly before drying it. While this method may help reduce the odor, it is recommended not to consume moldy rice to avoid potential health risks.

How to get rid of the musty rice smell?

4 Choosing and Storing Rice to Prevent Mold

Choosing Rice

Purchase rice from reputable stores to avoid rice that has been treated with harmful chemicals, which can pose health risks to you and your family.

Rice is highly absorbent, so it’s essential to store it in airtight containers to prevent mold and insect infestations.

If you’re storing a large quantity of rice (over 30kg), use appropriately sized containers. Avoid using paint buckets or containers previously used for chemicals.

Buy rice from reputable stores

Storage

Typically, rice stored for extended periods is susceptible to moisture and insect infestations, affecting its quality and making it unusable. However, proper storage can prevent this.

Ensure that the containers, bags, or jars used for rice storage are completely dry and clean.

Choose a cool, dry place for rice storage, avoiding direct contact with the ground or damp areas.

Do not store rice in direct sunlight.

You can also store rice in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer.

Regularly clean the rice storage containers and include moisture-absorbing packets inside.

Store rice in the refrigerator

Moldy rice poses significant health risks, with evidence suggesting direct links to liver cancer. Therefore, it is best to avoid consuming moldy rice or feeding it to poultry.

Frequently asked questions

No, it is not safe to consume moldy rice. Mycotoxins produced by mold can be harmful to your health, and cooking or freezing will not eliminate these toxins. Even if the rice looks and smells fine, it’s best to discard it if mold is present.

Consuming moldy rice can lead to mycotoxin poisoning, which may cause various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can lead to neurological problems, immune system suppression, and even death.

To prevent mold growth, it’s important to store rice properly. Keep it in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight container. Additionally, ensure that the rice is completely cooled before storing it, as warm rice is more susceptible to mold growth. You should also check the expiration date and purchase rice from a reputable source.

If you accidentally consume moldy rice, it’s important to monitor yourself for any symptoms of mycotoxin poisoning. Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. If you experience any severe or persistent symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Yes, there are alternative grains and pseudocereals that are less prone to mold growth. Quinoa, buckwheat, and millet are excellent options that provide similar nutritional profiles to rice. Proper storage and rotation of these grains will also help prevent mold growth.