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.

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.