Key Development

Mandi, a popular Arab rice dish, has gained a huge fan base in Kerala. Many people order it as a takeaway meal, and leftovers often remain after the first serving. To avoid wasting food, people commonly reheat the leftover mandi and eat it the next day. However, food safety experts say consumers should handle leftover mandi carefully.

Rice in Mandi Can Support Bacterial Growth

Mandi mainly contains rice and chicken, both of which can spoil if not stored properly. Cooked rice can support the growth of harmful bacteria if people leave it at room temperature for too long. One of the most common bacteria associated with rice is Bacillus cereus. This bacterium can grow in cooked rice and may cause food poisoning.

Room Temperature Increases the Risk

When people leave cooked rice at room temperature for several hours, bacteria can multiply rapidly and produce toxins. These toxins may remain in the food even after reheating. Because of this, simply reheating mandi that has been left outside for many hours may not make it safe to eat.

Proper Storage Is Essential

Food safety experts advise storing leftover mandi correctly if it needs to be consumed later. People should refrigerate the food as soon as possible and avoid leaving it at room temperature for long periods. Following proper storage and reheating practices can help reduce the risk of foodborne illness when consuming leftover mandi.

Source: India Today