Wichita, KS – Many Kansas 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 contributing to a rise in stomach illness reports.
According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the day after Thanksgiving routinely brings an increase in nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fatigue. While overeating can cause discomfort, experts say improperly cooked poultry and food left out too long are the most common sources of post-holiday illness across Kansas.
Large turkeys are especially hard to cook evenly. Deep inside the breast and thigh—the thickest parts of the bird—temperatures often fail to reach the required 165°F internal mark, even when the outside appears fully cooked. Families trying to keep the turkey moist sometimes remove it early, unintentionally increasing the risk of bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, both widely associated with undercooked poultry.
Improper leftover handling adds further risk. Kansas Thanksgiving gatherings, potlucks, and buffet-style meals often leave dishes sitting at room temperature for hours. Once food remains in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F for more than two hours, bacteria multiply rapidly. Organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, both tied to food left out too long, can cause rapid-onset vomiting and stomach discomfort.
Nutrition specialists advise discarding questionable leftovers, reheating foods thoroughly to 165°F, and staying hydrated if symptoms appear. High fever, dehydration, severe vomiting, or symptoms lasting beyond 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.
