Tips

Is Cold Rice a Cancer Causing Agent?

Eating cold rice is a common practice among Vietnamese people, but is it truly safe and harmless? It is important to seek information to develop a proper understanding of this habitual practice of consuming leftover rice.

Administrator

23 July, 2024

## Is Eating Cold Rice Dangerous?

Can eating cold rice cause cancer?

This question has been circulating on the internet for a while now, causing concern among those who regularly eat cold rice. However, experts have debunked this claim!

PGS.TS Nguyen Duy Thinh asserts: “Cold rice is completely safe and does not pose any risk of cancer or food poisoning if it is cooked and stored properly within a day (24 hours)” – Trang Kham Pha.

Rice naturally contains Bacillus cereus bacteria, which are inactivated at high temperatures. However, if cold rice is not stored properly, these spores can develop into bacteria and cause food poisoning.

[captionnews] Eating cold rice can lead to food poisoning [/ captionnews]

Food poisoning caused by eating cold rice containing Bacillus cereus can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea about 1-5 hours later. Most symptoms are relatively mild and do not last longer than 24 hours.

This is why people are advised against eating cold rice. Additionally, cold rice is not as tasty as freshly cooked rice and does not retain the same nutritional value. So, even if it is stored properly and safely consumed, eating cold rice may not be beneficial.

It is best to cook rice in moderate amounts, sufficient for a single meal, and consume it while it is still warm to enjoy its full flavor and nutritional benefits.

How to Safely Store Cold Rice

[captionnews] Learn how to safely store rice for later consumption [/ captionnews]

If you still want or need to eat cold rice, here’s how to store it safely:

– Cool freshly cooked rice quickly by immersing the rice pot in water or placing it in front of a fan.

– Once the rice is cooled, store it in the refrigerator’s cool compartment; the maximum storage time is 24 hours.

– Do not store rice in the refrigerator while it is still hot, as the heat and moisture will cause it to spoil faster.

– Note that the storage time for rice in the refrigerator should not exceed 24 hours (and no more than 6 hours at room temperature). Reheat the rice before consuming it, and do not reheat rice that has been stored more than twice.

– Never store rice together with other foods, as this will cause both the rice and the other foods to spoil faster and lose their flavor.

– Additionally, be mindful of your eating habits and make adjustments to maintain a healthy lifestyle for yourself and your family.

By acquiring a little bit of knowledge or making small changes to your habits, you can ensure that rice is truly safe and beneficial for consumption.

For more information:

Reference: vietnamnet.vn

Frequently asked questions

No, there is no scientific evidence that directly links cold rice to cancer. The belief that cold rice is a carcinogen may stem from the presence of bacteria, which can grow if rice is left at room temperature for extended periods.

To minimize the risk of bacterial growth, it is recommended to cool rice quickly after cooking and store it in the fridge within an hour. Also, ensure that cooked rice is reheated thoroughly before consumption.

Spread the rice thinly on a tray or plate and place it in a cool, well-ventilated area. Once it’s cooled, store it in a sealed container in the fridge, where it can last for a few days.

It’s not advisable to eat rice that has been left at room temperature overnight. Bacteria can grow rapidly and produce toxins that may cause food poisoning. It’s best to discard rice that has been left out for more than a couple of hours.

The safest way to reheat rice is by using a microwave, stove, or oven. Ensure the rice is steaming hot throughout before consuming it. You can also add a little water to the rice while reheating to ensure even heating.