In the hustle and bustle of modern life, leftovers are a godsend for many, especially for those of us who have waved goodbye to the daily grind and are enjoying the golden years. They're convenient, economical, and can be a quick solution to hunger pangs. However, before you pop that plate into the microwave, it's crucial to be aware that some foods can become a health hazard when reheated.

Dietitians have long cautioned against the dangers of reheating certain foods, and recent advice from experts has brought this issue back into the spotlight. The reasons are twofold: chemical changes during reheating can release harmful substances, and some foods can become breeding grounds for bacteria if not handled correctly.

Here are some foods you shouldn't reheat. Credit: Alex Lam / Unsplash

In a revealing TikTok video that caught the attention of her 23,000 followers, dietitian Harini Bala highlighted three foods that you should think twice about before reheating. Let's delve into these items and understand why they might be risky to your health.

Firstly, spinach, that leafy green staple of a healthy diet, contains oxalic acid, which is generally harmless when consumed fresh or cooked once. However, reheating spinach can cause oxalic acid to crystallize, potentially becoming toxic and raising the risk of kidney stones. Spinach also contains nitrates, which can transform into nitrites upon reheating. These nitrites may interact with other chemicals in the gut, potentially leading to the formation of carcinogenic compounds linked to bowel cancer. Moreover, spinach is susceptible to listeria contamination, a bacteria that can survive if the spinach isn't thoroughly cooked, leading to serious illness.

Next on the list is tea. While it might seem harmless to reheat a cup of tea, doing so can increase the bitterness due to a higher concentration of tannins. More concerning is the possibility of dormant bacteria becoming active again, which could lead to foodborne illnesses.

The third and perhaps most surprising food on Ms. Bala's list is rice. Rice can harbor Bacillus cereus, a spore-forming bacterium that is resistant to heat. These spores can survive even after the rice is cooked, and if the rice is left to cool at room temperature, the bacteria can multiply. Reheating the rice won't necessarily kill these bacteria, and consuming them can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. To minimize the risk, rice should be stored in the fridge within two hours of cooking and kept in an airtight container.

The dangers of reheating rice were tragically highlighted in the case of a 20-year-old Belgian man who died from what's known as 'fried rice syndrome.' He had eaten reheated spaghetti that had been left out at room temperature for five days, leading to a fatal case of food poisoning attributed to Bacillus cereus.

To ensure your leftovers are safe to eat, here are some tips:
- Refrigerate perishable foods within two hours of cooking.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers to limit bacterial growth.
- Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of at least 74°C to kill most bacteria.
- When in doubt, if a leftover has been stored for more than a couple of days or has been left out for an extended period, it's safer to discard it.

You can watch the video below:

Credit: @dietitianharinibala / TikTok​

Key Takeaways

• A dietitian has warned about the dangers of reheating certain foods due to the potential release of toxic substances and growth of deadly bacteria.
• Leafy greens such as spinach should not be reheated because oxalic acid can crystallise and become toxic, possibly leading to kidney stones.
• Reheated rice can harbour heat-resistant Bacillus cereus bacteria, which can cause serious foodborne illnesses with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea.
• The dietitian recommends storing cooked rice in the fridge within two hours in an airtight container and reheating it only if it has not been left out for extended periods, to minimize the risk of bacteria formation.

Remember, food safety is paramount, and while leftovers can be a convenient option, they should always be handled with care. Have you ever experienced a close call with reheated food? Share your stories and tips with our community in the comments below. Stay safe and enjoy your meals with peace of mind!

 

[Barbara V]

Not more what you shouldn't do I've been reheating all those for years , still here

 

[natalielocket]

Not more what you shouldn't do I've been reheating all those for years , still here

Also, it is commonsense, to place in the fridge any food, once it has partially cooled. One doesn`t have to wait until it is completely cold. But I do put my rice in the fridge, after cooking it, but then I only use Brown, Red or Black.
So maybe white rice is a bit different.

 

[novezar]

I didn't know that you could get red & black rice. Is it an Aussie grown produce ?

NOVEZAR.

 

[natalielocket]

I didn't know that you could get red & black rice. Is it an Aussie grown produce ?

NOVEZAR.

Most of it is. I get the red and Black from my local Organic shop,

 

[MariaG]

OMG.
How am I going to last past my 80s???
Maybe I should stop doing what I have been doing for the last 60 odd years ... it might not be good for me.
There comes a time when common sense must prevail. If you listen to every opinion that is out there, it may result in a visit to the nearest andi-panic specialist.
Not only am I diligent with storage of left overs, I also consider myself an expert in what can be frozen, and, what should not. I consider my freezer section one of my best kitchen friends.
The best way to make the dollar stretch further for me is to buy up big on cheap stuff when it is at it's best price, cook up a good extra amount, freeze it in serving batches, then not be worried when the prices go back up.
I can't believe why I validated the reason for serving left overs.