In Zhejiang, China, a man narrowly survived a severe case of food poisoning after eating leftover fried rice stored in the fridge for two days. The 30-year-old experienced intense abdominal pain and vomiting, and was rushed to Hangzhou First People’s Hospital in shock. Doctors diagnosed him with “Fried Rice Syndrome,” caused by Bacillus cereus, a bacteria commonly found in rice and starchy foods. The bacteria produces toxins that are not easily destroyed even by reheating.
Medical experts warn that leftover rice, bread, fermented foods, and dishes containing eggs, tofu, or meat broth are high-risk for bacterial contamination, especially during summer and autumn. Symptoms can range from vomiting and stomach cramps to organ failure in severe cases.
To reduce risk, food should be cooled quickly, stored at safe temperatures, and reheated thoroughly to at least 70°C. Avoid reheating more than twice, and discard food showing off smells, stickiness, or bubbles, even if it looks normal.
