April 06, 2009
Follow Food Safety Guidelines When Handling Easter Eggs
LINCOLN, Neb. — Don't make the fun of dyeing hard-cooked Easter eggs turn into a food safety disaster when eating them later, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln food safety specialist says.
The first step to avoiding a foodborne illness when eating Easter eggs is to make sure the eggs don't crack when boiling them, said Julie Albrecht, UNL food safety specialist in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
"You don't want them to get contaminated inside," Albrecht said.
She said the best bet for cooking eggs is to put them in cold water, bring to a boil, then turn the heat off and let them sit, covered, for 20 minutes.
"If you boil them any longer, they'll get that green ring around them," she said. Although, the green ring around the yolk of the eggs is safe to eat. It is caused by over-boiling.
When dyeing eggs, it's important to follow directions on the dye package. Again, while doing this be careful not to break the eggs.
"If you need to cool the eggs down before dyeing them, be sure you put them into cool water, and not ice water. A major temperature shock can crack the eggs," Albrecht said.
Also, be sure to use a food-grade dye as it can soak through the shells.
When hiding eggs with the intension of eating them later, Albrecht recommends not putting them in places where they are touching dirt or where pets have access.
And, after the hunt is done, be sure they are chilled. As with all foods, eggs should not be out at room temperature for more that two hours.
"So, be sure to hide the eggs, have the hunt and refrigerate them within two hours," she said. "And, if you find that egg several hours later – throw it out."
When using hard-cooked eggs, be sure to eat them within three to four days. Cooked eggs or egg dishes also should eaten within three to four days.
A few other tips to follow:
– Wash hands with warm water and soap before and after handling eggs.
– Only use eggs that have been refrigerated and discard eggs that are cracked or dirty.
– Keep hard-cooked Easter eggs refrigerated until just before the hunt.
– Consider buying one set of eggs for decorating only and another set for eating.
4/6/090-SK Julie Albrecht - Ph.D.
Nutrition and Health Sciences Professor (402) 472-7919
 
Sandi Alswager Karstens IANR News and Photography (402) 472-3030
Department:
Nutrition and Health Sciences
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