If your symptoms include nausea and diarrhea, you may be a victim of food poisoning. Holding foods at the wrong temperature is a frequent cause of food poisoning, according to Carolyn Raab, Oregon State University Extension foods and nutrition specialist. Leftovers tend to be forgotten on tables or counters while family and friends visit.
Refrigeration is the key to handling holiday leftovers safely.
Bacteria can start to grow if moist, high protein foods are left at room temperature longer than two to three hours. Reheating won't necessarily make a mishandled food safe to eat. Food can be contaminated with these bacteria by a sneeze or an infected cut on a hand. To prevent bacterial growth, refrigerate leftovers right after the meal, Raab advised. Cut turkey meat off the carcass and refrigerate or freeze it in family-size portions.