Houston, TX – Many Texas 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 driving a rise in stomach illness reports across the state.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the day after Thanksgiving routinely brings a surge in nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fatigue. While overeating can cause discomfort, experts say improperly cooked poultry and dishes left out too long remain the most common sources of post-holiday illness in Texas.
Large turkeys—especially popular in Texas households—can be difficult to cook evenly. The thickest parts of the bird, deep inside the breast and thigh, may not reach the required 165°F internal temperature even when the outside appears fully cooked. Many families remove the turkey early to keep it moist, unintentionally raising the risk of bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, both widely associated with undercooked poultry.
Improper leftover handling adds further risk. Texas Thanksgiving buffets, potlucks, and long family gatherings often leave food sitting out at room temperature for hours. Once dishes fall into 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 known to grow on food left out too long, frequently cause rapid-onset vomiting and stomach discomfort.
Nutrition specialists recommend discarding questionable leftovers, reheating all foods to 165°F, and staying hydrated if symptoms emerge. Severe vomiting, dehydration, high fever, 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.
