Can rice still be eaten after being stored for a day

Whether rice can be eaten after being stored for a day depends on the storage conditions. Overnight rice stored in refrigeration can usually be heated and consumed, while rice stored at room temperature for more than 4 hours is not recommended for consumption. Rice stored at room temperature is prone to bacterial growth, especially heat-resistant bacteria such as Bacillus cereus, which can cause food poisoning even with secondary heating. The bacterial growth rate significantly slows down in a refrigerated environment, but it is necessary to ensure that the rice has been sufficiently cooled before being placed in the refrigerator and sealed with plastic wrap to avoid cross contamination. When consuming again, it should be thoroughly heated to a center temperature exceeding 70 degrees Celsius, and should not be reheated multiple times. In high temperature or humid environments during summer, rice deteriorates faster and may exhibit obvious characteristics such as stickiness and sourness. People with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and children should avoid consuming any overnight staple foods to prevent infections caused by special pathogenic bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes. The hardness change caused by partial starch aging does not affect safety, but the taste will decrease.

It is recommended to adjust the storage time of rice according to the season, with refrigeration not exceeding 24 hours in winter and not exceeding 12 hours in summer. Overnight rice is suitable for making Fried Rice or Congee, and it is safer to handle at high temperature. Daily cooking can control the portion size, prioritize fresh rice, and the remaining rice should be packaged and refrigerated as soon as possible. If stored improperly or if there is an odor, discoloration, or other abnormality, it must be discarded and disposed of.