Ever heard of ‘Fried Rice Syndrome’? Well, a 2008 case of this bizarre condition has resurfaced online, leading to panic among people. In 2008, a 20-year-old college student died after reportedly eating noodles that he cooked, left out of the fridge, and then reheated and ate five days later.
According to a report by Science Alert, the old case has resurfaced on TikTok.
What is Fried Rice Syndrome?
‘Fried Rice Syndrome’ is basically food poisoning from a bacterium called Bacillus cereus when cooked food is left at room temperature for too long. This bacterium can cause gastrointestinal illness if food isn’t stored properly. However, death is rare.
Although the bacterium is found everywhere, if it enters certain foods that are cooked and not stored properly, it can cause a lot of health problems.
According to experts, starchy foods like rice and pasta are often the culprits. But it can also affect other foods, like cooked vegetables and meat dishes. The bacteria produce a type of cell called a spore, which is very resistant to heating.
Consequently, heating leftovers might not have the same effect if the food is contaminated with B. cereus.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of infection with B. cereus include:
- diarrhoea
- vomiting
According to experts, the condition resolves in a couple of days. However, children and people with underlying medical conditions are more at risk.
How to protect yourself?
- Refrigerate the leftover food immediately
- Refrigerate the food after dividing into small portions.
- If a food product is out of the fridge for more than 2 hours, it’s better to throw it away.
- If in doubt, throw it right away.
