Dietitians and food experts caution against leaving foods, particularly dry items like pasta and rice, unattended at room-temperature due to the risk of “fried rice syndrome,” a form of food poisoning caused by the bacteria Bacillus cereus. This organism can proliferate in food left unrefrigerated for extended periods.

The resurgence of discussions surrounding fried rice syndrome on social media is prompted by the renewed attention to a 2008 case involving the tragic death of a 20-year-old Belgian student. The incident was attributed to a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus and has once again surfaced on the internet.

According to a case report published by the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, the student consumed reheated spaghetti that had been left unrefrigerated for five days. Despite warming the food in the microwave before consumption, he succumbed overnight to symptoms including headaches, nausea, and abdominal pain.

Although it’s been nearly 15 years since the incident occurred, recent social media posts have brought “fried rice syndrome” back into the internet’s consciousness.

What is ‘fried rice syndrome’?

According to The Conversation, Bacillus cereus are common bacteria found all over the environment. They begin to cause problems if they get into certain foods that are cooked and not refrigerated promptly.

Starchy foods like rice and pasta are often the culprits, but Bacillus cereus can also affect other cooked foods, like vegetables and meat.

Certain bacteria can produce toxins that grow when food is left at room temperature. Bacillus cereus produce spores that are resistant to heating, so even if leftovers are heated to a high temperature, the spores may survive. These spores can then produce toxins that make us sick.

What are the symptoms?

Bacillus cereus is a bacteria that can cause food poisoning. There are two types of Bacillus cereus infections: one that causes diarrhea and one that causes vomiting. Symptoms usually resolve within a few days, but people with weakened immune systems may need medical attention. Because the symptoms are similar to those of other gastrointestinal illnesses, it is difficult to know how often Bacillus cereus occurs.

What measures can people take to safeguard themselves?

To prevent food poisoning, first of all, try not to eat leftover food. If that is not possible, then minimize the time they spend in the danger zone (above fridge temperature and below 60°C). Refrigerate leftovers promptly after cooking, and break large batches into smaller portions to help the food cool quickly. Avoid taking leftovers out of the fridge repeatedly.

Israel’s military is performing “exceptionally well” in its offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday, stressing Israel does not plan to reoccupy the Palestinian territory.

“I think the Israeli army is performing exceptionally well,” he told Fox News, adding: “We don’t seek to govern Gaza. We don’t seek to occupy it, but we seek to give it and us a better future.”

A 24-year-old Indian student who was stabbed at a fitness centre in the US state of Indiana on October 29 died of his injuries at a hospital on Wednesday. Varun Raj Pucha, a computer science student at Valparaiso University, was stabbed in the head by Jordan Andrade, 24, police said. 

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Varun Raj Pucha. Our campus community has lost one of its own, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Varun’s family and friends as we mourn this devastating loss,” Valparaiso University said in a statement.

The accused has been charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery. Andrade reportedly told the police that Varun “was going to assassinate” him, according to newly filed charges in the case.

Andrade told the police that Varun and he had never spoken before the attack but the former said that “someone” told him that Varun was “threatening”.

“Officers also spoke with Planet Fitness staff who indicated that (the stabbed man) was a regular gym member and generally kept to himself, was quiet and reserved, nothing indicating that he was ‘creepy,'” police said.

The Attack

Andrade said he walked into the massage room of the gym and found Varun, whom he did not know, but found “a little weird”, the police said. He maintained that he felt threatened by Varun and reacted accordingly, stating in his own words that he “just reacted”.

The accused insisted that Varun remained seated during the entire altercation and did not initiate any physical contact. He further alleged that the only physical contact occurred when Varun attempted to push him away after Andrade had already initiated the attack.

Claiming to be a former high school football player capable of bench-pressing 260 pounds, Andrade described Varun as “pretty little”.

Andrade maintained that he acted in self-defence, portraying himself as a “defensive fighter” who eliminated a threat with a knife. Upon further inquiry about the details of the attack, Andrade allegedly responded with a vague explanation, “Uh, I just put it through.”

When further questioned about the attack’s specifics, Andrade reportedly remained tight-lipped, stating, “I don’t even want to say it,” according to police. “It was in the head.”

The 24-year-old acknowledged pulling the knife out of his pocket, a tool he typically uses for opening boxes at his workplace, Menards.

Memorial

A memorial service for Varun will be held on campus on November 16th. 

“Our university gives the family and friends of Varun Raj Pucha our deepest condolences. Our thoughts are with his family, and we pray for their healing,” said the university.

Varun, from Telangana’s Khammam district, was pursuing an MS in computer science. He began his studies in the US in August 2022.