It absolutely does not say “cold rice” was the issue. It suggests improperly stored leftovers was the culprit. It also mentioned that the severity of his reaction to the bacteria was because he was not fully vaccinated. “The medical team learned that although the Massachusetts student had received a first dose of the meningococcal vaccine, he never received the recommended booster. His roommate also ate the leftover food and vomited but didn’t have life-threatening reactions.”As numerous other people have stated on this thread, bacteria is a hazard for most foods, that’s why we use refrigeration and proper cooking temps.
It’s not just a rice thing.
“…cereus poisoning include milk, vegetables, meat, and fish. Foods associated with the emetic type of poisoning include rice products, potato, pasta, and cheese products. Other foods such as sauces, pastries, soups, puddings, and salads were identified as vehicles in food poisoning outbreaks.”
https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/PHR250/2007/25007BcerMH__2_.pdf
Room temperature rice, rice stored improperly, and rice older than 5 days should not be eaten. Properly refrigerated rice stored correctly and eaten within a few days will be absolutely fine
Same with pasta
Rice and pasta. A kid just recently died from it. It’s horrible.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.businessinsider.com/student-died-in-his-sleep-after-eating-5-day-old-pasta-that-had-been-left-out-2019-1%23:~:text%3DAn%2520unnamed%252020%252Dyear%252Dold,his%2520liver%2520had%2520shut%2520down.&ved=2ahUKEwjNsNS2sLX2AhUGl2oFHTKPANQQFnoECAUQBQ&usg=AOvVaw2l-36sn7sRrPWQU7Jp8Syi