How long can you store cooked rice in the fridge before it goes bad?

Our busy lifestyles often leave us with little time to cook daily. As a result, we store pre-cooked meals in the fridge and reheat them for convenience the next day.

This practice is becoming increasingly common. While it does save time, did you know it can be harmful to your health?

Many people store and use leftover rice in the fridge, but how long can it actually be kept? Here’s what you need to know about storing rice, what happens if it’s kept too long, and the potential risks of consuming it.

To safely store rice in the fridge, make sure to eat it within two days. Store the rice in an airtight container before placing it in the refrigerator.

 

If rice stored in the fridge smells bad, do not eat it. A foul odor indicates bacterial growth, which can lead to food poisoning, diarrhea, vomiting, and other health issues.

Importantly, don't eat rice immediately after taking it out of the fridge. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a while before consuming it.