We love our Thanksgiving leftovers, but food safety experts caution us on food storage best practices to avoid accidental foodborne illness.

How long turkey lasts after Thanksgiving The star protein will last four days in the fridge. In the freezer, it can last four months for best quality -- after that span it will dry out and lose flavor.

In anticipation of Thanksgiving, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging consumers to practice proper food safety — especially when thawing, prepping and cooking the star of the holiday: turkey.

Fact checked by Nick Blackmer Thanksgiving Day is over and the race is on—not to score the best deals on Black Friday, but to eat the copious amounts of turkey, mashed potatoes, and pie before they go bad.

"Thanksgiving leftovers are safe in the refrigerator for up to four days — until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat them — or you can place them in the freezer to enjoy later," Carothers says. "If you store leftovers in the freezer, they will remain of best quality for up to two to six months."

Make sure to refrigerate dense foods like sliced turkey, cooked sweet potatoes or gravy in shallow containers to help them cool down fast. Schaffner’s recent research showed that foods cooled in containers at a depth of no more than 2 inches posed little risk of growing dangerous germs.

Thanksgiving is a day when food safety is crucial to avoid any unwanted illnesses. Here’s how to avoid seven common food safety mistakes.

FILE – A grill-roasted brined turkey is presented on a table in Concord, N.H. Turkey is the center of most Thanksgiving meals, but it’s important to handle raw poultry properly to avoid spreading bacteria that can send your guests home with an unwanted side of food poisoning.

You’ll know your turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the USDA. Experts recommend using a food thermometer on the thickest and deepest parts of the bird to make sure it’s fully cooked. Leftovers should also be reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F, the CDC said.