So, you’ve successfully roasted a turkey, and Christmas dinner is done and dusted. For many people, the best part comes next: The leftovers. But how do you store and enjoy them safely? It all starts with the carving.

Putting a partially carved turkey directly in the fridge is a common mistake, says Lawrence Goodridge, a professor at the University of Guelph’s Department of Food Science and director of the Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety.