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

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."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is warning Americans to properly store Thanksgiving leftovers to prevent foodborne illness.

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.

Here's your Thanksgiving guide, including readers' favorite dishes, food safety and where to find meals on Thanksgiving.