Rice beyond the best before date

littlemoney

At the back of the cupboard I have found a number of pack Uncle Bens boil in the bag wholegrain rice that is 6 years beyond its best before date. As it is just dry rice would this still be OK to use.

I also found some Uncle Bens express microwave rice of a similar age but I think I will throw this out as I assume it is part cook as it only needs 2 minutes in the microwave to heat so it may not be so safe.

I have heard that rice can contain spores that can survive cooking. I would rather throw out and than risk an upset stomach.

VfM4meplse

Personally I wouldn't take any notice of BBE dates for rice as it keeps for years - but do keep an eye out for any signs of infestation.

Uncle Ben's tastes weird anyway, so I'm not sure how aging will affect it.

elsien

If it's not wriggling it's probably safe to eat but you may well find the taste has changed in the interim.

Olliebeak1951

I definitely wouldn't attempt to eat the one that's 'Express Microwave' - partially cooked rice and re-heating it is only OK when sticking to the Use By Date.

The dried rice is another matter, but it might take quite a bit longer to cook ..................... again, I'd say to look out for anything that might be wriggling. Make sure that you give it a good rinse with plenty of cold water to well-cover it; then look for anything that 'floats to the surface' ..................... and be certain that it's NOT doing the Front Crawl or Breaststroke !

Linda32

I wouldn't bother to be honest, if you haven't missed them for 6 years. :D