Have you ever opened your fridge, spotted a container of cooked rice, and wondered, “Is this still safe to eat?” You’re not alone. I’ve had my share of fridge mysteries, and rice is one of those foods that can trick you—it still looks fine, but is it really? Let’s settle this once and for all so your next fried rice night doesn’t turn into a stomachache story. How Long Does Cooked Rice Last in the Fridge? In general, cooked rice lasts about 3–4 days in the fridge when stored properly. The key word here is properly —because rice can actually develop harmful bacteria even after cooking. One main culprit is Bacillus cereus , a bacteria that can survive cooking and grow if rice sits too long at room temperature before refrigerating. That’s why the timing of storage matters just as much as the number of days. Quick tips for safe storage: Cool rice quickly (within 1–2 hours after cooking). Store in an airtight container. Keep your fridge at 4°C (40°F) or below. Why Cooke...