How long does cooked rice last in the fridge?
US guidance allows cooked rice 3–4 days in the fridge. UK advice (NHS/FSA) is stricter: eat it within 1 day and reheat it only once. Either way, cool it and refrigerate it within 1 hour.
Day by day in the fridge
- Day 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Storage times by type
| Type | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| US guidance (USDA) | 3–4 days | 1 month (best quality) |
| UK guidance (NHS / FSA) | 1 day, reheat once | 1 month |
| Left out at room temp | Refrigerate within 1 hour | - |
Signs it has gone bad
- Hard, dry or slimy texture
- Sour or unusual smell
- Mold of any color
- Note: Bacillus cereus toxins do not change smell or look. Time matters more than appearance.
No signs doesn't mean safe. Food-poisoning bacteria usually don't change smell or look, so go by time.
How to store it
- Spread rice on a tray or shallow container so it cools within 1 hour.
- Reheat until steaming hot all the way through, and only reheat it once.
- Never leave cooked rice in the rice cooker or on the counter overnight.
Check yours
Questions people ask
Why is leftover rice risky?
Uncooked rice can contain spores of Bacillus cereus that survive cooking. If cooked rice sits at room temperature, the spores grow and produce toxins that reheating does not destroy. That is why fast cooling matters so much.
Can I eat rice that was left out overnight?
No. Cooked rice left at room temperature overnight should be thrown away, even if you reheat it, because the toxins Bacillus cereus produces are heat-resistant.
Is it safe to eat cold rice from the fridge?
Yes, if it was cooled quickly and kept refrigerated, and you eat it within the recommended time. Cold rice is safe; slowly cooled rice is the problem.
Sources
- NHS: Can reheating rice cause food poisoning?
- UK Food Standards Agency: Chilling and leftovers
- USDA FSIS: Leftovers and Food Safety
General food safety information, not medical advice. Times assume a fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below and a freezer at 0°F (-18°C). If you're pregnant, older, very young or immunocompromised, follow stricter limits.