The most popular symptoms of Bacillus cereus food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The illness usually begins quickly—within 1 to 5 hours after eating contaminated rice—and while it’s rarely fatal, it can be quite severe, especially for children, older adults, and those with weak immune systems.
So, what should you do to stay safe?
1. Cool rice quickly: After cooking, don’t leave rice sitting out at room temperature for more than 1 hour. Spread it out on a tray or in a shallow container so it cools faster before putting it in the fridge.
2. Store properly: Apply airtight containers and place the rice in the coldest part of the fridge. Don’t leave it uncovered or near the fridge door where temperatures fluctuate.
