TikTok users have expressed concerns over food safety after the term "fried rice syndrome" went viral on the popular social media app.

Fried rice syndrome and the implications of leftover food safety were raised in a TikTok video by Food52, wherein food editor Emily Ziemski calls Bacillus cereus the main culprit. It cited the case of The death of a young man after eating five-day-old, unrefrigerated leftover pasta makes it essential not to overestimate the hazards, as reported by Gizmodo.

Here's What to Know

A bacterium called Bacillus cereus that produces spores that release harmful toxins is the source of "fried rice syndrome," a type of food poisoning, per WION. Professor Robert Gravani of Cornell University warns against consuming food left at room temperature, even for short periods, as it can lead to a Bacillus cereus infection.

This bacterium thrives in pre-cooked starchy foods like rice and pasta, with the optimal temperature range for growth being between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The term originated from early cases linked to unrefrigerated cooked white rice used in making fried rice at restaurants.

Dr. Cynthia Sears from Johns Hopkins University explains that improper storage allows spores to germinate, producing a heat-stable toxin. Reheating the food does not deactivate the toxins or spores, posing health risks.

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Typical symptoms of B. cereus illness, such as nausea, vomiting, cramps, or diarrhea, are generally mild, resolving within a day for most cases. Severe or fatal outcomes are rare and usually occur in specific circumstances, such as individuals with weakened immune systems. The severity of food poisoning depends on factors like the quantity of ingested bacteria or toxins.

Notably, the case of Bacillus cereus in the United States is rare. A 2011 CDC study estimated 63,000 cases of foodborne B. cereus in the US, along with 20 hospitalizations. Though there were zero deaths recorded, there is still a possibility of fatality. The research also indicated that the most prevalent foodborne illness, norovirus, causes 5.5 million cases of food poisoning annually.

How to Avoid Food Poisoning

The UK National Health Service recommends refrigerating leftover rice within an hour of cooking. Efficient cooling involves dividing a large batch into smaller containers and allowing it to reach room temperature, according to a CNET article.

The NHS suggests refrigerating rice for a maximum of one day before reheating, while the US Department of Agriculture's FoodKeeper app recommends storage for four to six days. Food Network advises reheating rice within three to four days, emphasizing one-time reheating to avoid fried rice syndrome.

Health experts advise ensuring the rice reaches an internal temperature of 165°F or higher during reheating. Limiting the amount cooked to immediate consumption helps prevent food waste and mitigates the risk of food poisoning. Food hygiene basics should also be practiced to prevent contamination. Before cooking, wash your hands thoroughly. Use clean utensils and avoid mixing raw and cooked food.

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