Denver, CO – Many Colorado residents woke up sick on Black Friday after large Thanksgiving meals, and state health officials say food-poisoning risks tied to undercooked turkey and improperly handled leftovers may be fueling a rise in stomach illness reports.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the day after Thanksgiving regularly brings an uptick in nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fatigue. While overeating can cause discomfort, experts say improperly cooked poultry and foods left out for hours remain the leading causes of post-holiday illness across Colorado.
Large turkeys can be especially difficult to cook evenly. The thickest parts of the bird—deep inside the breast and thigh—often heat slowly and may not reach the required 165°F internal temperature even when the outside appears done. Many Colorado households remove the turkey early to keep it moist, unintentionally increasing exposure to bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, both commonly linked to undercooked poultry.
Improper leftover handling presents additional risk. Thanksgiving buffets, potlucks, and long family gatherings frequently leave dishes sitting out at room temperature. After more than two hours in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F, bacteria multiply rapidly. Organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, both tied to food left out too long, can cause sudden vomiting and stomach discomfort.
Nutrition specialists recommend discarding questionable leftovers, reheating all foods to 165°F, and staying hydrated if symptoms develop. Severe vomiting, dehydration, high fever, or symptoms lasting longer than 24 hours should be evaluated by a medical professional.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY TIPS
✓ Check leftovers: Discard anything left out for more than 2 hours.
✓ Reheat properly: Heat all leftovers to 165°F before eating.
✓ Watch for symptoms: Sudden nausea, cramps, or diarrhea may indicate bacterial illness.
✓ Cook turkey fully: Verify temperature at the thickest parts of the bird.
✓ Seek care when needed: High fever, dehydration, or blood in stool warrant medical attention.
