What is the leading cause of diarrhea after reheating takeaway meals?

The leading cause of diarrhea after reheating takeaway meals is Bacillus cereus. This bacterium is commonly found in starchy foods like rice and pasta, which are often included in takeaway meals. When these foods are cooked and then kept warm for extended periods, Bacillus cereus can produce heat-stable toxins that can lead to gastrointestinal illness if the food is not reheated adequately.

When takeaway meals are not stored correctly or kept at improper temperatures, the spores of Bacillus cereus can germinate and multiply, producing toxins. If people consume these foods after reheating, they may experience symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, typically within a few hours.

Other organisms like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Clostridium difficile can also cause foodborne illness, but they are usually associated with different scenarios or food handling practices. Escherichia coli is more often linked to undercooked meats or contaminated vegetables, Staphylococcus aureus is typically associated with food left out at room temperature for too long, and Clostridium difficile is usually a concern in a healthcare setting or linked to antibiotic use rather than reheated food. Thus, Bacillus cereus remains the primary concern in the context of reheating takeaway