Is it safe to reheat rice more than once?

Leftover rice is a common occurrence in many homes, but reheating it multiple times raises food safety concerns. Dietitian Deepa Mishra advises against reheating rice more than once, particularly if it was not stored properly between meals. The primary worry is Bacillus cereus, a bacterium found in raw rice that can produce heat-resistant spores surviving cooking. These spores may multiply in the temperature danger zone, between 4°C and 60°C, and produce toxins that reheating cannot eliminate.

Furthermore, repeated reheating can alter the rice's quality and texture, causing it to become dry, mushy, hard, or chewy. Mishra recommends promptly refrigerating cooked rice and reheating only the portion intended to be eaten. She emphasizes that reheating unevenly can also increase the risk of bacterial growth, as some parts may remain at temperatures suitable for bacteria to thrive.

To minimize the risk of food poisoning, it is essential to follow proper cooling, prompt refrigeration, storage, and thorough reheating practices.