Quick Answer
Rice that has been kept properly refrigerated and stored in an airtight container will usually last 4-6 days after it has been cooked. So rice that has been refrigerated for 5 days is generally still safe to eat as long as it has not developed an off odor, flavor or appearance. Key signs that rice has spoiled are a sour, fermented smell, dry/crusty texture or any mold growth. As long as the rice still smells and looks normal, it should be fine to eat or freeze for longer term storage. Reheating the rice thoroughly before serving can further reduce any risk.
How Long Does Cooked Rice Last in the Fridge?
The exact shelf life of cooked rice depends on several factors:
Storage Container
Rice should be stored in a tightly sealed, airtight container or bag. This prevents moisture from evaporating and helps block contaminants from getting in. An opened container or bag, or a container with a loose seal will allow rice to dry out faster and be exposed to mold spores and bacteria.
Moisture Content
Leftover rice is more prone to spoilage because it contains moisture left over from cooking. Drier rice like fried rice will last a bit longer.
Ingredients
Plain rice keeps longer than rice with added ingredients like vegetables, sauces or dressings. These ingredients can cause rice to spoil faster.
Cooking Method
Rice that has been cooked and immediately refrigerated has a slightly longer shelf life than rice that sat at room temperature before refrigeration. The longer rice is left out before refrigerating, the more chance bacteria has to multiply.
Refrigerator Temperature
Rice lasts longer when stored at a consistent fridge temperature of 40°F or below. If the temperature fluctuates and rises above 40°F, rice will spoil faster.
Keeping all these factors in mind, most sources recommend consuming leftover rice within 4-6 days for safety and quality.
How to Tell if Refrigerated Rice Has Gone Bad
There are several clear signs that indicate rice has spoiled and should be discarded:
Sour Odor
Freshly cooked rice has a neutral smell. A sour, fermented odor indicates spoiled rice.
Mold Growth
Any fuzzy mold spots or filaments growing on the rice make it unsafe to eat.
Dry, Crusty Texture
Properly stored rice should have a soft, moist texture. Dry, crunchy rice has dried out and spoiled.
Off Colors
The rice may change from white to a yellowish or grey tinge as it spoils. This discoloration is not just from aging but indicates microbial growth.
Rancid Flavor
Rice that tastes off, rancid or bitter should not be eaten.
Can Spoiled Rice Make You Sick?
Yes, eating spoiled rice can cause food poisoning. The main concern is bacterial growth. Cooked rice provides the perfect environment for bacteria like Bacillus cereus and strains of Salmonella to multiply rapidly if left at room temperature for too long.
Reheating doesn’t necessarily make rice safe again if extensively contaminated with these bacteria. B. cereus in particular can produce heat-resistant spores and toxins that cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Moldy rice may contain mycotoxins that can cause long-term health effects. Rice spoiled by fungi should always be discarded, even if you only see a few spots of mold.
To prevent foodborne illness, cook and handle rice carefully:
– Refrigerate rice immediately, within 1 hour of cooking.
– Divide into shallow containers to allow for rapid cooling.
– Reheat rice thoroughly to steaming hot.
– Check for signs of spoilage before eating.
– When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t take risks with potentially contaminated rice.
Does Freezing Extend the Shelf Life?
Yes, freezing cooked rice can significantly extend its shelf life. According to the FDA Food Code, all cooked rice should be used or frozen within 1 day of cooking for best quality and safety.
To safely freeze rice:
– Allow rice to cool completely, about 1 hour after cooking.
– Package rice in airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
– Label bags with the date and contents.
– Freeze rice immediately at 0°F or below.
– Once frozen, rice can be stored for 3-6 months in the freezer before quality deteriorates.
Properly frozen rice maintains its texture and flavor well. The freezing process stops any microbial growth that could cause spoilage.
To use frozen rice, thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave until thawed and heated through. Cooked frozen rice can also be used straight from the freezer in fried rice or rice casseroles.
Can You Reheat and Eat Rice After 5 Days?
Rice that has been kept for 5 days in the fridge can be safely reheated and eaten provided that:
– It has been stored in an airtight container the whole time. Any exposure to air and moisture during storage decreases the rice’s shelf life.
– It still looks and smells normal. There should be no sour odor, mold, dryness or rancid smell.
– It is reheated thoroughly until steaming hot. Heat helps destroy any bacteria that may be present. Bring rice to 165°F or above before consuming.
– No new ingredients are added before reheating. Things like raw meat or eggs can contaminate the rice and cause illness.
If reheated to steaming hot, rice that still appears and smells normal after 5 days in the fridge should be safe to eat. However, it likely will not taste as good as freshly cooked rice. For best quality, try to eat refrigerated rice within 3-4 days.
Tips for Storing Leftover Rice
Here are some top tips for storing cooked rice safely:
– Allow rice to cool for 15 minutes after cooking, then refrigerate within 1 hour. The longer rice sits at room temperature, the greater the risk of bacterial growth.
– Store rice in shallow airtight containers. Divide into small amounts for fast chilling in the fridge.
– Add a paper towel to the container to help absorb moisture. This prevents sogginess.
– Use refrigerated rice within 3-4 days for best quality. It’s generally safe up to 5-6 days.
– To freeze, allow rice to cool completely first. Freeze in air-tight bags or containers.
– Portion rice into recipe-ready amounts before freezing for easier use.
– Label frozen rice packages with dates and contents. Use within 3-6 months for optimal quality.
– When reheating, microwave until steaming hot or 165°F. Check for any signs of spoilage before eating leftovers.
Following proper storage methods can minimize the risk of food poisoning from leftover rice. Trust your senses – if rice smells, looks or tastes off after 5 days, don’t take chances and throw it out. When handled safely, cooked rice keeps well refrigerated or frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can cooked rice sit out?
Cooked rice should not sit at room temperature for longer than 1 hour. Leaving rice out for more than an hour allows bacteria to multiply quickly and increase the risk of foodborne illness. Refrigerate or freeze rice within 1 hour of cooking.
Can you get food poisoning from 5 day old rice?
Yes, it is possible to get food poisoning from rice that is 5 days old if it was not stored properly. Rice more than 5 days old is more likely to contain dangerous levels of bacteria that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Always inspect rice for signs of spoilage and discard if it smells, looks, or tastes off. Reheating does not necessarily make old rice safe for consumption.
Can you eat rice that has been in the fridge for a week?
No, it is not recommended to eat rice that has been refrigerated for a week. Even when properly stored, cooked rice only lasts a maximum of 5-6 days in the fridge before the risk of food borne illness increases. Rice 7 days old is likely dried out and moldy, with possible bacterial contamination. For food safety, cooked rice should be discarded after a week in the refrigerator.
What happens if you eat bad rice?
Eating spoiled, rotten or moldy rice can cause food poisoning. Stomach problems like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and intestinal discomfort are common symptoms. Headaches, dizziness and fatigue are also possible. In severe cases, bad rice can even cause temporary paralysis from a toxin some bacteria release. If rice looks or smells off, do not eat it.
Can you get food poisoning from reheated rice?
Yes, it is possible to get food poisoning or fall ill from eating reheated rice if it has not been stored properly prior to reheating. Reheating does not necessarily destroy toxins produced by bacteria like B. cereus. Rice should be refrigerated promptly after cooking and only reheated once. Rice reheated multiple times after sitting at room temperature can contain dangerous levels of bacteria and their toxins. When reheating rice, ensure it is steaming hot throughout.
Conclusion
Leftover rice that has been properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge can generally be safely eaten for 4-6 days after cooking. Rice that is 5 days old but still retains its normal color, texture and smell should be safe to consume if thoroughly reheated to steaming hot. However, rice older than 5 days or that shows any signs of spoilage like an off smell, dryness or mold should be discarded. Following proper storage methods, freezing rice, reheating it sufficiently and using your senses to check for spoilage are the best ways to avoid food poisoning and enjoy delicious leftover rice safely.
