Room-temperature limit
2 hours
1 hour above 90°F (32°C)
Overnight: discard
Food that sat out overnight has spent far longer than 2 hours in the danger zone (40–140°F).
Quick answer
Rice left at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F) should be thrown away. Bacillus cereus spores survive cooking and produce heat-stable toxins; reheating does not make it safe.
The verdict
Keep
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Discard
Rice left at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F) should be thrown away. Bacillus cereus spores survive cooking and produce heat-stable toxins; reheating does not make it safe.
Danger zone°C
0 4 32 60 80
← FridgeHot holding →
Bacteria multiply fastest between 4 °C and 60 °C (40–140 °F).
How long cooked rice can sit out, by temperature
| Room temperature | Safe for | Then |
|---|---|---|
| Below 40°F (4°C) | Refrigerated — 4–6 days | Use within the fridge window |
| 40–90°F (4–32°C) | 2 hours | Discard |
| Above 90°F (32°C) | 1 hour | Discard |
| Overnight (8+ hours) | Not safe | Discard, even if reheated |
Store cooked rice safely next time
- Refrigerate within 1 hour in a shallow, airtight container.
- Keep the fridge at or below 40°F (4°C); the door shelf is warmest.
- Reheat only the portion you will eat; do not reheat more than once.
More about cooked rice
FAQ
How long can cooked rice sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C).
Is cooked rice left out overnight safe if I reheat it?
No. Some bacteria make heat-stable toxins that reheating does not destroy. If in doubt, throw it out.
What if cooked rice was left out for 3 hours?
Past the 2-hour mark, discard it, even if it looks and smells fine.
How long does cooked rice last in the fridge?
4–6 days at 40°F (4°C) or below, if refrigerated promptly.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number