How Long Can Cooked Rice Sit Out?
Quick Answer
Cooked rice can sit out at room temperature for up to 2 hours before it should be thrown away. If the temperature is above 90°F, such as at an outdoor picnic, that time drops to 1 hour. Rice can grow harmful bacteria as it cools, so refrigerate leftovers promptly instead of leaving them on the counter.
Why Does Leftover Rice Make You Sick?
Leftover rice can make you sick because it may contain a bacterium called Bacillus cereus. This bacterium forms spores, which are survival units that help it survive high temperatures. Cooking rice kills many harmful bacteria, but Bacillus cereus spores can survive. When cooked rice sits at room temperature, these spores can grow into bacteria that produce toxins that cause food poisoning.
To lower your risk of getting sick:
- Refrigerate cooked rice within 2 hours, or within 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F.
- Keep cold rice cold until you are ready to eat or reheat it.
- Do not leave cooked rice sitting on the counter for long periods while it cools.
- Throw away rice that has been left out too long.
Rice may look and smell normal even when harmful bacteria or toxins are present. Reheating rice does not always make it safe if it was stored improperly.
How Long Does Cooked Rice Last in the Fridge?
Cooked rice lasts 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored at 40°F or below. After that, it should be thrown away.
To store cooked rice safely:
- Divide large amounts of rice into smaller, shallow containers so they cool faster.
- Label the container with the date you cooked the rice.
- Place the rice in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
- Store the rice in a covered container at 40°F or below.
- Eat the rice within 3 to 4 days, or freeze it for longer storage.
Is It Safe to Reheat Rice More Than Once?
Reheating rice more than once isn't necessarily unsafe, but it increases the risk of foodborne illness if you don't cool and store it properly between reheating. The time rice spends in the unsafe temperature zone adds up. Putting rice back in the refrigerator does not reset the 2-hour limit. To reduce the risk, avoid reheating rice more than once. To lower your risk, reheat only the amount of rice you plan to eat. Keep the rest in the refrigerator.
What Temperature Should Leftover Rice Be Reheated to?
Leftover rice should be reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a food thermometer to check that the rice is hot enough before eating it. Reheating rice to 165°F can kill many harmful bacteria, but it may not destroy toxins that formed during improper storage. If rice has been left out too long, throw it away instead of trying to make it safe by reheating. You can reheat rice on the stove or in the microwave. Stir the rice as it heats to help it warm evenly.
References
- USU Extension — Hot Weather, Safe Food: Easy Summer Food Safety Tips
- USU Extension — Food Waste Prevention Part 4: Using Leftovers
- USU Extension — Food Safety 101: Four Essential Practices for Safe Food at Home
Adapted from USU Extension food safety resources.
Contact
Jose Brandao, USU Extension Food Safety Specialist
Jose Brandao
Assistant Professor | Extension Food Safety Specialist
Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences