Why is everyone talking about Fried Rice Syndrome

Dietitians and food experts are asking people to avoid leaving food unattended at room temperature due to the risk of "fried rice syndrome". The fried rice syndrome is trending on social media. The discussions surrounding it on social media is prompted by the renewed attention to a 2008 case involving the tragic death of a Belgian student. The incident was attributed to a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus and has once again surfaced on the internet. Fried rice syndrome is a form of food poisoning caused by the bacteria Bacillus cereus. This organism can proliferate in food left unrefrigerated for extended periods.  According to a case report published by the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, the student consumed reheated spaghetti that had been left unrefrigerated for five days. Despite warming the food in the microwave before consumption, he succumbed overnight to symptoms including headaches, nausea, and abdominal pain.