Refrigerators nationwide are likely filled with Thanksgiving leftovers, but according to FoodSafety.gov, today is the last day many leftovers will be safe to eat. The federal government’s online food safety resource says that Thanksgiving leftovers can only survive in the fridge for up to three to four days.

We love our leftovers, too. But this food safety expert tells us how long each Thanksgiving dish can last in the refrigerator before it spoils.

You can keep most leftovers for up to four days in your fridge. Take a look at a more detailed guideline of what to do with Thanksgiving leftovers.

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.

Thanksgiving leftovers don't last forever. Learn how long food can stay out after the meal and how to reheat everything safely. Photo credit: Depositph

"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 says the Monday after Thanksgiving is the last day people can safely eat refrigerated leftovers.

Thanksgiving leftovers are one of the best parts of the holiday, offering plenty of opportunities to create new meals without much effort. But NOW is the time to use them or stash them in the freezer.