Can rice be eaten if it's moldy and washed

It is not recommended to clean and continue consuming rice after it has become moldy. Moldy rice may contain harmful substances such as aflatoxins, which cannot be completely removed by regular cleaning and pose health risks. The visible mold spots on the surface of moldy rice are only a part of the mycelium, and toxins often penetrate into the interior of the rice grains. Aflatoxin is resistant to high temperatures, and its toxicity is difficult to be destroyed by daily cooking temperatures. Long term intake may damage liver function and increase the risk of cancer. Even if obvious moldy particles are removed from slightly moldy rice, the remaining portion may still be cross contaminated, especially posing greater harm to children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised populations. In rare cases, if mold is limited to the surface of individual rice grains and the degree of mold is extremely mild, short-term consumption after thorough washing and high-temperature cooking may not immediately cause discomfort. However, toxins have cumulative effects and cannot accurately determine the extent of contamination with the naked eye. It is still recommended to discard the entire batch of rice to ensure safety. Moldy rice often has a rancid taste or abnormal color. When storing, it should be kept dry and ventilated to avoid high temperature and high humidity environments.

Fresh rice should be purchased and sealed for daily use, and consumed as soon as possible after opening. If signs of mold are found, it is recommended to discard the entire bag. Regularly inspect the corners and bottom of the rice tank to avoid using damp containers for storage. Reasonably control the single purchase quantity, prioritize small packaging products, and reduce the probability of mold growth. The potential impact of moldy food on health far exceeds the economic cost, so don't lose big for small gains.