Can infested rice cause harm to the gastrointestinal tract?

Generally speaking, whether rice infested with insects will harm the gastrointestinal tract depends on specific circumstances. If only a small amount is accidentally consumed and the rice has not spoiled, it usually does not cause harm to the gastrointestinal tract. However, if large quantities are consumed or the rice has already spoiled, it may cause gastrointestinal damage. It is recommended to handle with care and avoid eating rice infested with insects and already spoiled. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If only a small amount of unspoiled rice infested with insects is accidentally consumed, the number of insects and eggs entering the gastrointestinal tract is usually small, and the digestive fluids in the stomach and intestines can partially decompose and kill them. This generally does not cause obvious discomfort or harm to the gastrointestinal tract. In such cases, drinking more warm water to promote metabolism is sufficient.

When large amounts of insect-infested rice are consumed or the rice has spoiled due to insect infestation, producing harmful substances such as mold, these substances may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa and cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting, causing damage to the gastrointestinal tract. In such cases, timely measures such as inducing vomiting and replenishing fluids should be taken to reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal tract.

To avoid gastrointestinal damage caused by insect-infested rice, it is recommended to carefully inspect rice before consumption. Rice found to be infested with insects or spoiled should be discarded and not consumed. When storing rice regularly, keep it dry and well-ventilated to prevent insect infestation and spoilage, thereby reducing the risk of gastrointestinal harm at the source.