Rice

More than half of the world's population relies on rice as a staple food. Rice is one of the oldest cereal grains. However, it carries a significant risk of causing food poisoning. Bacillus cereus spores, a bacterium that produces toxins that cause food poisoning, can contaminate uncooked rice.

These bacteria can survive dry conditions. In your pantry, for example, they may thrive in a package of uncooked rice. They can survive cooking as well. These spores develop into bacteria if cooked rice is left to stand at room temperature because the warm, moist environment promotes their growth. The chance that rice will be harmful to eat increases with the amount of time it is left out at room temperature.