Since eggs are handled
a great deal more than usual around Easter, it is important to remember some
safe handling methods when you're decorating, cooking or hiding Easter
eggs.
Here are some safety tips from the Nebraska Department of
Agriculture, Poultry & Egg Division for you to remember:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with hot
soapy water and rinse them before handling the eggs when cooking, cooling,
dyeing and hiding them.
- Be sure and inspect the eggs before
purchasing them, making sure they are not dirty or cracked. Dangerous
bacteria may enter a cracked egg.
- Store eggs in their original cartons in
the refrigerator rather than the refrigerator door.
- If you're having an Easter egg hunt,
consider hiding places carefully. Avoid areas where the eggs might come
into contact with pets, wild animals, birds, reptiles, insects or lawn
chemicals.
- Make sure you find all the eggs you've
hidden and then refrigerate them. Discard cracked eggs.
- As long as the eggs are NOT out of
refrigeration over two hours, they will be safe to eat. Do not eat
eggs that have been out of refrigeration more than two hours. Refrigerate
hard-cooked eggs in their shells and use them within 1 week.
- If you are planning to use colored eggs
as decorations, (for centerpieces, etc.) where the eggs will be out of
refrigeration for many hours or several days, discard them after they have
served their decorative purpose.
