Why can't rice be eaten overnight

Overnight rice can be consumed if stored improperly, but there is a risk of spoilage and bacterial contamination. Bacillus cereus in rice can easily reproduce at room temperature and may lead to food poisoning. If cooked rice is left at room temperature for a long time, its high moisture and nutritional content provide ideal conditions for bacterial growth. The heat-resistant toxins produced by Bacillus cereus are difficult to completely destroy even when reheated at high temperatures, and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort such as vomiting and diarrhea after consumption. Overnight rice stored in refrigeration is relatively safe, but starch undergoes retrogradation reactions, resulting in a harder taste and reduced digestion and absorption rate. Repeated heating can further damage heat sensitive nutrients such as vitamin B, and long-term consumption may affect the balance of nutrient intake.

It is recommended to pack and seal the rice in a timely manner and store it refrigerated. It should be consumed within 24 hours and the center temperature should be ensured to be above 75 degrees Celsius when reheating. Special populations such as infants, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals should avoid consuming overnight rice. Daily cooking should control the portion size as needed and prioritize varieties with high resistant starch content, such as brown rice, to reduce retrogradation effects.