Nashville, TN – Many Tennessee 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 noticeable rise in stomach illness reports.
According to the Tennessee Department of Health, the day after Thanksgiving routinely sees an uptick in nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fatigue. While overeating rich holiday foods can cause discomfort, experts say improperly cooked poultry and food left out too long remain the most common causes of post-holiday illness across the state.
Large turkeys are especially difficult to cook evenly. The thickest areas—deep in the breast and thigh—often heat unevenly and may not reach the required 165°F internal temperature even when the outer meat looks fully done. Many households remove the turkey early to keep it moist, unintentionally increasing exposure to bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, both linked to undercooked poultry.
Improper leftover handling adds further risk. Tennessee’s Thanksgiving buffets, potluck gatherings, and long family visits often leave 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 known to grow on 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. 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.
