Miami, FL – Many Florida 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 driving an increase in stomach illness reports.
According to the Florida Department of Health, the day after Thanksgiving consistently brings a rise in nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fatigue. While overeating heavy holiday foods can cause discomfort, experts say improperly cooked poultry and foods left out too long remain the leading sources of post-holiday illness across the state.
Large turkeys are particularly challenging to cook safely. The thickest sections—deep inside the breast and thigh—often heat unevenly and may not reach the required 165°F internal temperature even when the outside looks fully done. Many Florida 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 is another major risk. Florida’s Thanksgiving buffets, potlucks, and extended family gatherings often result in food sitting out at room temperature for hours. Once dishes remain in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F for more than two hours, bacteria multiply quickly. Organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus—both associated with food left out too long—can cause rapid-onset 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.
