Can cooked glass noodles be eaten the next day?

In general, whether cooked glass noodles can be consumed the next day depends on their storage conditions and whether they have spoiled. If in doubt or if any abnormalities are observed, it is recommended to discard them to ensure safety. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If the cooked glass noodles were left at room temperature for no more than 2 hours (or no more than 1 hour in hot weather), promptly sealed in a clean container, and refrigerated, they can generally be eaten the next day provided there is no unpleasant odor, stickiness, or signs of softening or spoilage. After thorough reheating to a core temperature above 75°C, the risk to health is low. Low-temperature refrigeration helps inhibit microbial growth and prevents rapid spoilage, while proper heating kills potential bacteria that may have developed.

However, if the cooked noodles were left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, were not sealed or were exposed directly to air, and develop sour or moldy odors, feel sticky, or become mushy and lose their shape overnight, they should not be consumed even after thorough reheating. Prolonged exposure at room temperature allows significant microbial proliferation and the production of harmful substances, some of which cannot be eliminated by heating. Consuming such noodles may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, including abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Cooked glass noodles should be cooled quickly and stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, avoiding repeated reheating. It is recommended to consume them within 24 hours. Before eating, carefully inspect their appearance, smell, and texture; only reheat thoroughly if no abnormalities are detected. If the storage container was unclean or cross-contamination occurred with raw or other foods, the noodles should be discarded. For optimal food safety, freshly prepared glass noodles are always the best choice.