Des Moines, IA – Many Iowa 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 stored leftovers may be contributing to a rise in stomach illness reports statewide.
According to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, the day after Thanksgiving commonly brings an increase in nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fatigue. While rich holiday meals can cause discomfort, experts say improperly cooked poultry and food left out too long remain the most common sources of post-holiday illness across Iowa.
Large turkeys are especially challenging to cook evenly. The thickest sections—deep inside the breast and thigh—often heat slowly and may not reach the required 165°F internal temperature, even when the exterior appears fully cooked. Families trying to prevent dryness may remove the turkey early, unintentionally increasing exposure to bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, both frequently associated with undercooked poultry.
Improper leftover handling adds further risk. Iowa’s Thanksgiving buffets, potlucks, and extended family gatherings often leave food sitting out at room temperature for hours. Once dishes remain in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F for over two hours, bacteria multiply quickly. Organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, both linked to food left out too long, can cause rapid-onset vomiting and stomach distress.
Nutrition specialists recommend discarding questionable leftovers, reheating food thoroughly to 165°F, and drinking plenty of fluids 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.
