New Orleans, LA – Many Louisiana 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 behind a statewide rise in stomach illness reports.

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the day after Thanksgiving routinely brings a surge in nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fatigue. While heavy meals can cause discomfort, experts say improperly cooked poultry and foods left out too long remain the most common causes of post-holiday illness across Louisiana.

Large turkeys can be especially challenging to cook thoroughly. The thickest areas of the bird—deep within the breast and thigh—often heat unevenly and may not reach the required 165°F internal temperature even when the outside appears fully cooked. Families trying to avoid drying out the turkey sometimes remove it early, unintentionally increasing exposure to bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, both commonly associated with undercooked poultry.

Improper leftover handling adds further risk. Louisiana’s Thanksgiving buffets, potlucks, and long dinner 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 longer than two hours, bacteria multiply rapidly. Organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus—both tied to food left out too long—commonly cause sudden vomiting and stomach discomfort.

Nutrition specialists advise discarding questionable leftovers, reheating foods thoroughly to 165°F, and staying hydrated if symptoms appear. Residents experiencing severe vomiting, dehydration, high fever, or symptoms lasting more than 24 hours should seek medical attention.

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.