Everyone loves leftovers. They make a quick and easy meal for the next day. But did you know that some foods can become unsafe to eat if you reheat them? It might sound surprising, but reheating certain foods can lead to health risks. As per experts, this can happen because of chemical changes or bacterial growth. Here are seven foods you should be careful about before reheating.

1. Chicken

Chicken is a common leftover, but reheating it can make it unsafe. Chicken has a lot of protein, and when you reheat it, that protein changes in a way that can upset your stomach. This can lead to digestive problems.

If you need to reheat chicken, make sure to heat it all the way through to at least 165°F (74°C). The safest way to eat leftover chicken is to have it cold in a salad or a sandwich instead of reheating it.

2. Rice

Reheating rice can be risky, and the problem actually starts before you even think about reheating it.
Research suggests that uncooked rice can contain bacteria called Bacillus cereus. When rice is cooked and then left out too long at room temperature, these bacteria can grow and make toxins that cause food poisoning. Even reheating the rice may not get rid of these toxins because they are heat-resistant.

According to the UK Food Standards Agency, to safely eat leftover rice, cool it down quickly after cooking and store it in the fridge. Only reheat it once, and make sure it’s really hot all the way through.

3. Potatoes

Potatoes might seem harmless, but they can be dangerous if not stored or reheated properly. When cooked potatoes are left at room temperature for too long, they can grow bacteria like Clostridium botulinum. This bacteria can cause botulism, which is a very serious form of food poisoning.

Reheating doesn’t always kill these toxins. To be safe, put cooked potatoes in the fridge soon after cooking and be careful when reheating them. If they smell or taste weird, throw them away.

4. Mushrooms

Mushrooms have a lot of protein, and that protein breaks down quickly if the mushrooms aren’t stored right. Reheating mushrooms can cause stomach issues or even worse problems. When you reheat mushrooms, their proteins and nutrients can be damaged, which can upset your stomach.

To avoid risk, eat mushrooms as soon as they are cooked. If you have leftovers, eat them cold in a salad or add them to another dish without reheating. Always store mushrooms in the fridge if you want to eat them later.

5. Eggs

Eggs are healthy and versatile, but they shouldn’t be reheated. Reheating boiled or scrambled eggs can make them toxic and cause digestive issues. When eggs are exposed to high heat again, they can release harmful compounds that might upset your stomach.

If you have leftover scrambled eggs or an omelet, it’s best to eat them cold, like in a sandwich or a wrap. Avoid reheating eggs, especially in the microwave, because the heat is often uneven, which makes it even riskier.

6. Spinach and Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are full of nutrients, but reheating them can be harmful. These greens have nitrates, which can turn into nitrites when reheated. Nitrites can then turn into nitrosamines, which might be cancer-causing.

It’s best to eat these greens right after cooking or have them cold. If you have leftover spinach, add it to a smoothie or a salad instead of reheating it.

7. Seafood

Seafood, like fish and shellfish, doesn’t reheat well either. Reheating seafood can change its taste and texture, and it can also make you sick. Seafood spoils quickly, and if it’s not stored correctly, it can grow bacteria that thrive in protein-rich foods.

If you must reheat seafood, make sure it has been properly stored in the fridge and is reheated thoroughly. But in general, seafood leftovers are better-eaten cold, like in a seafood salad, or just avoid reheating them altogether.

Tips for Safe Reheating

Even though some foods can be dangerous to reheat, you can reduce the risks by handling them properly. Here are some tips to stay safe:

Store Leftovers Properly: Put leftovers in the fridge as soon as they cool down. Don’t let them sit out at room temperature for more than two hours.
Reheat Evenly: Make sure food is heated all the way through to at least 165°F (74°C) to kill bacteria. Stir or rotate the food to help it heat evenly.
Only Reheat Once: Reheating food multiple times can increase the risk of bacteria. Try to only reheat food once and throw away anything that has been reheated more than once.
Use the Right Equipment: Use the stove or oven to reheat food if you can because microwaves can heat unevenly and leave cold spots where bacteria might survive.

Conclusion

Leftovers are super convenient, but it’s important to know which foods are safe to reheat and how to do it properly. Chicken, rice, potatoes, mushrooms, eggs, spinach, and seafood can all be risky if not handled carefully. By following these tips, you can enjoy your leftovers without risking your health.

Have you ever had a bad experience with reheating food? Or do you have any tips for handling leftovers? Share your thoughts in the comments below—your advice might help others stay safe too!