How long does cooked rice last?

Concerns & risks

You were trying to save leftover rice for lunch, but someone told you rice can make you sick.

Everyday mishaps add up.

Causes & evidence

Cool rice quickly and refrigerate; eat within a few days. See food storage times.

What to do

1. Cool fast.
2. Refrigerate within 2 hours.
3. Reheat until steaming hot.

Common mistakes: Common mistakes: leaving cooked rice at room temperature for hours. A bacteria called Bacillus cereus can survive cooking and grow in rice left out, making toxins that reheating may not destroy. Cool rice quickly by spreading it in a shallow container, and refrigerate within 2 hours. Reheat only once if possible. Eat within a few days. When in doubt, throw it out. Rice should be refrigerated in a sealed container. If you're cooking for a crowd, cook smaller batches. Reheat rice until it's steaming hot all the way through, stirring to heat evenly. If rice smells odd or has a slimy texture, throw it out. Fried rice made from leftover rice is fine if the rice was stored properly.

Speed Man tip: Spread to cool.

Wrap-up: Cool. 2 hours. Hot.