Dietitians and food experts warn against leaving foods unattended at room temperature, particularly dry products such as pasta and rice, due to the danger of “fried rice syndrome,” a type of food poisoning caused by the bacteria Bacillus cereus. .
This organism can multiply in foods that have been out of the refrigerator for an extended period of time.
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The return of conversations about fried rice syndrome on social media was sparked by new attention to a 2008 case involving the tragic death of a 20-year-old Belgian student. The incident, attributed to a toxin generated by Bacillus cereus, has resurfaced on the Internet.
The student ate reheated spaghetti that had been unrefrigerated for five days, according to a case report published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology. Despite microwaving the food before eating it, he died the next day from symptoms such as headaches, nausea and abdominal pain.
Even though the incident occurred almost 15 years ago, new posts on social media have reintroduced “fried rice syndrome” into the Internet’s consciousness.
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- What exactly is ‘fried rice syndrome’?
- What are the signs and symptoms?
- What precautions can people take to protect themselves?
What exactly is ‘fried rice syndrome’?
Bacillus cereus is a common microbe found in the environment, according to The Conversation. They begin to cause difficulties when they get into cooked foods that are not cooled quickly.
Bacillus cereus is commonly found in starchy foods such as rice and pasta, but it can also damage other cooked foods such as vegetables and meat.
Certain bacteria can produce toxins when foods are left at room temperature. Bacillus cereus produces heat-resistant spores; therefore, the spores can survive even if leftovers are cooked at high temperatures. These spores can then develop toxins that make humans sick.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Bacillus cereus is a type of bacteria that can make you sick. Bacillus cereus infections are classified into two types: those that cause diarrhea and those that cause vomiting.
Symptoms usually disappear within a few days, but people with compromised immune systems may require medical attention. Bacillus cereus is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other gastrointestinal disorders.
What precautions can people take to protect themselves?
First of all, avoid eating leftovers to avoid foodborne illnesses. If that is not possible, reduce the time they spend in the danger zone (above refrigerator temperature and below 60°C). Refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible after cooking and divide large quantities into smaller portions to allow the food to cool quickly. Avoid taking leftovers out of the refrigerator on a regular basis.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn