Once opened, Rice (brown) keeps about 6 months in the fridge. Unopened, it keeps about 1 year.
| Situation | Keeps for |
|---|---|
| Unopened · pantry | 1 year |
| Opened · pantry | 1 year |
| Opened · fridge | 6 months |
About 6 months refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below, according to USDA FoodKeeper v128.
Rice (brown) is shelf-stable at room temperature: cool, dry pantry, sealed — refrigerating after opening is optional and mainly preserves quality. Refrigerating it mainly preserves quality rather than safety.
Look for: A rancid or musty smell; Insects, webbing, or larvae in the package; Clumping or visible moisture; Mould, or a slimy surface on cooked grains and pasta. Never taste something to test it — when in doubt, throw it out.