You’ve purchased a Thanksgiving turkey and the fixings to accompany it. You’re feeling anxious as you slowly cross all the items off your to-do lists as you get closer to the day of preparation and cooking. Food safety is likely far from your mind as you’re focused on having enough side dishes, drinks and desserts for everyone. But it shouldn’t be.

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.

What do you do with your Thanksgiving food after the holiday ends? Leftovers are a tried and true part of the Thanksgiving experience. Health experts highlight how vital it is to make sure to follow health guidelines when it comes to storing those dishes for later consumption,