Germaine Mobley, a 62-year-old Texas resident, recently experienced severe illness after consuming fried rice at a restaurant outside Dallas, leading her to caution others about the potential dangers of what she refers to as “fried rice syndrome.”
Following her meal, Mobley fell seriously ill during her drive home, experiencing breathing difficulties and fearing for her life. Unaware that her symptoms were related to Bacillus cereus, a bacteria that can form when rice is left at room temperature for an extended period, she delayed seeking emergency medical attention.
Chefs often leave rice at room temperature to prevent clumping, but if not properly handled, this practice can lead to the rapid growth of harmful bacteria, especially in hot weather. Culinary expert Celeste Rogers emphasized the importance of cooling rice within six hours to prevent the formation of Bacillus cereus.
Mobley spent days in the intensive care unit, prompting her to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with fried rice syndrome. She has hired an attorney, Kathryn Knotts, to pursue legal action against the restaurant she believes is responsible for her illness.
Despite the seriousness of Mobley’s situation, the Asian King Buffet, where she claimed to have gotten sick, denies any responsibility for the food-related issues.
The incident serves as a reminder of the potential hazards associated with improperly handled rice, and experts advise people to be cautious about consuming dishes that may have been exposed to the conditions conducive to bacterial growth.
