In a recent TikTok video, Dr. Jessica Kiss, a family physician based in California, shared her list of five foods that she avoids due to health concerns. According to her, these foods could potentially harm your health: leftover fried rice, picnic food, foods that match the color of her hair dye, dented canned goods, and grapefruit.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Dr. Kiss emphasized that leftover fried rice should be consumed in one sitting. If fried rice is left at room temperature, it can develop Bacillus cereus, a bacteria that can lead to food poisoning—especially if you reheat it in the microwave, which can trigger further bacterial growth. She explained that not only does Bacillus cereus produce spores, making it difficult to eliminate, but it also isn’t worth the trouble. While it’s safe to eat fried rice that has been kept warm in a rice cooker, Dr. Kiss strictly advises against consuming any left-out portions.

The second item on her no-eat list is any food consumed at a picnic. She expressed that she would rather go hungry than risk the high likelihood of food poisoning while eating outdoors. The FDA advises that food left out between 40°F and 140°F for more than two hours enters the “danger zone,” reducing to just one hour if temperatures exceed 90°F. Dr. Kiss noted that during holidays and weekends, many patients seeking emergency care are often treated for foodborne illnesses, and she has seen far too many cases.

Dr. Kiss also refuses to eat anything that matches the color of her hair dye, which she often changes to shades of pink and purple. She is particularly cautious about foods containing artificial coloring, citing health concerns. She remarked, “I don’t want my hair to look like a neon light for the next week,” and makes it a point to avoid any food with purple or pink dyes.

In addition, Dr. Kiss avoids dented canned goods due to the risk of botulism. She explained that if the dent isn’t a result of a fall, it could indicate potential contamination with botulinum toxin, which is no laughing matter.

Finally, grapefruits are also on her list of foods to avoid. While it may seem unusual, Dr. Kiss pointed out that grapefruits can interact with a variety of medications, including some for anxiety and high blood pressure. She warned that consuming grapefruit while on certain medications could affect their efficacy, making it important to be cautious.

Dr. Kiss encourages her audience to share her insights and be mindful of what they eat, especially when it comes to food safety.