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. After that, they can develop spoilage bacteria, which causes food to develop a bad smell or taste. However, leftovers stored in a freezer can last up to six months.

As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, the USDA is reminding everyone about some important food safety tips for your big meal.

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.