Avoid Common Mistakes When Reheating Takeaway Rice to Prevent Food Poisoning

Many of us reheat leftover rice from takeaways without a second thought, but improper handling can increase the risk of food poisoning. Experts emphasize that reheating rice safely requires special attention to how it was cooked, cooled, and stored.

Narriman Looch, Head of Food Hygiene at the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA), explains that some takeaways pre-cook rice and reheat it before serving, which can pose a risk if you reheat it again at home. The FSA strongly advises never to reheat food more than once.

The safety of reheated rice depends largely on initial preparation. To be safe, it’s a good idea to ask the restaurant whether the rice was freshly cooked or already reheated prior to delivery.

If the rice is safe to store, it’s crucial to cool it quickly—ideally within one hour—and refrigerate it promptly. When reheating, ensure the rice is steaming hot all the way through. Avoid leaving rice at room temperature where harmful bacteria like Bacillus cereus can multiply rapidly, leading to food poisoning.

A rice cooker can be used to reheat rice, but only on cooking or steaming settings, as the “keep warm” function doesn’t reach a high enough temperature to eliminate bacteria. Adding a splash of water before reheating helps keep the rice moist.

For a tasty alternative, try turning leftover rice into crispy rice cakes. Mix cold rice with a beaten egg and chopped spring onions, shape into patties, and fry in oil until golden. These make a delicious snack or side dish, especially when served with fish.

Looch advises: “It’s fine to chill or freeze leftovers and reheat later, but always confirm with the takeaway if their food is suitable for this, and follow safe food hygiene practices at home. Never reheat rice more than once.” She adds, “Don’t take the risk—being cautious is better than suffering from food poisoning.”

Be alert to symptoms of food poisoning, and seek medical help if necessary.