When we think of dangerous foods, processed snacks or high-sugar treats might come to mind. However, one seemingly innocuous staple is responsible for over 200 deaths annually, yet it remains a dietary mainstay for nearly 500 million people worldwide . What is this paradoxical food? The answer might surprise you: it's rice .
What Makes Rice So Dangerous?
The culprit isn't the rice itself but rather its preparation and storage in certain forms. Specifically, the issue lies with leftover or improperly handled cooked rice , which can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria like Bacillus cereus . This bacterium produces toxins that survive even after reheating, leading to severe food poisoning—and in rare cases, death.
Here’s why this happens:
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