Cooked rice can last 3–4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly. Keeping rice at the correct temperature and handling it safely helps reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Rice is a staple food worldwide, but once cooked, it becomes highly perishable. Proper cooling, storage, and reheating are essential for keeping it safe to eat.

Does Cooked Rice Go Bad?

Yes, cooked rice can spoil. While uncooked rice has a long shelf life, cooked rice contains moisture that allows bacteria to grow if it is not handled correctly.

Rice may become unsafe when:

  • It is left at room temperature too long

  • It is not refrigerated promptly

  • It is reheated improperly

Even if rice looks fine, improper storage can allow harmful bacteria to multiply.

How To Tell If Rice Is Spoiled

Spoiled rice often shows noticeable changes. Signs include:

  • Color changes compared to when freshly cooked

  • Slimy or overly mushy texture

  • Sour or unpleasant smell

  • Unusual or off taste

  • Visible mold growth

If you notice any of these signs, discard the rice immediately. Do not taste questionable rice to check its safety.

Why Rice Can Make You Sick

Cooked rice is commonly linked to a bacterium called Bacillus cereus. This bacterium is naturally found in soil and can survive the cooking process in the form of spores.

When cooked rice is left at room temperature, these spores can grow and produce toxins. Reheating may kill bacteria, but it does not destroy the toxins already formed.

This can lead to food poisoning symptoms such as:

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Stomach cramps

  • Fever

Most cases resolve within a few days, but young children, pregnant individuals, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for complications.

How To Cook Rice Safely

Rice can be prepared by boiling, steaming, or using a rice cooker. Cooking times vary depending on the type of rice, such as white, brown, jasmine, or basmati.

Most rice varieties cook within 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the method and grain type.

Proper cooking reduces initial bacterial risk, but safe storage afterward is just as important.

Tips For Storing Cooked Rice

To prevent bacterial growth, follow these safety guidelines:

Refrigerate Promptly
Rice should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If the room temperature exceeds 90°F (32°C), limit this to 1 hour.

Cool Quickly
Spread rice into a shallow container to help it cool faster before refrigerating.

Store Below 40°F (4°C)
Once refrigerated, rice remains safe for up to 4 days.

Freeze For Longer Storage
Cooked rice can be frozen for 3–4 months in an airtight container.

How To Reheat Rice Safely

Reheat rice only once. Instead of reheating the entire batch, portion out a single serving.

Ensure the rice reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before eating. This helps kill harmful bacteria that may have grown during storage.

Avoid repeated cycles of cooling and reheating, as this increases the risk of contamination.

A Quick Review

Cooked rice lasts 3–4 days in the refrigerator and up to 3–4 months in the freezer when stored correctly. Leaving rice at room temperature for too long can allow bacteria like Bacillus cereus to produce toxins that cause food poisoning.

To stay safe, refrigerate rice promptly, store it in airtight containers, reheat thoroughly, and never consume rice that smells, looks, or tastes unusual.