A 50-year-old man di.ed after eating refrigerated leftovers: 5 foods you should never keep overnight — if there’s any left, throw them away 👇👇

1. Cooked Rice

Cooked rice is one of the most commonly mishandled leftovers. It can harbor bacteria that survive cooking and produce toxins if the rice is left at room temperature too long before refrigeration.

Even reheating thoroughly may not make it safe if toxins have already formed.

Tip: Cool quickly and refrigerate within an hour. If in doubt, throw it out.

2. Chicken and Poultry

Cooked chicken is highly perishable. If not stored properly, it can develop harmful bacteria such as those responsible for food poisoning.

Reheating unevenly can also leave cold spots where bacteria survive.

Tip: Store in airtight containers and consume within 1 day. Reheat thoroughly.

3. Seafood

Fish and shellfish spoil quickly—even in the fridge. Some types can develop toxins that are not destroyed by heat.

Symptoms from spoiled seafood can appear rapidly and be severe.

Tip: Eat seafood the same day if possible. Avoid keeping leftovers overnight unless properly stored and very fresh.