Safety Tips for Easter Egg Hunts

Colorful eggs are a long standing and much enjoyed part of many spring traditions.  Eggs not only play a meaningful role in Easter and Passover traditions.

It is important to be mindful of certain safety precautions when serving eggs.  This is particularly important when using real eggs in Easter egg hunts.

Eggs can be a source of food poisoning.  But by being aware of this and taking simple precautions, you will reduce the risk of your holiday festivities ending in a medical emergency. 

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the process of boiling an egg removes a protective coating from the shell.  After being boiled, bacteria can enter through the pores of the shell.  So even though the eggs are still inside the shell, it is extremely important to wash hands and utensils that come in contact with the eggs.  Bacteria that enter through the shell will be quite comfortable in the moist, dark environment and will multiply.

If your eggs cracked while boiling, don’t hide them for a hunt. Cracks in the shell are an open door for bacteria.  Even if the egg is not cracked, make sure eggs that are hidden for a hunt are kept away from dirt and areas where pets or other animals (with the exception of the Easter Bunny) frequent. Also, be sure to use food grade dyes when coloring your eggs.  No fancy dye kits are needed.  For vibrant colors that will be safe to eat, use regular food coloring bought in the tiny bottles.  I used the simple directions found here to dye the eggs in the photo.

Additional egg handling tips from the USDA include:

• Go straight home from the grocery store when buying eggs so they can quickly be refrigerated. 
• Keep eggs in the container they are sold in.
• It is best to store them in the coldest part of the fridge rather than the shelves in the door. 
• Uncooked eggs actually last longer in the fridge and can be stored for 3-5 weeks once purchased.  However once it is cooked, eggs should be eaten within 4 days.

Of course you could hide plastic eggs, and fill them with mini treats or even clues for a scavenger hunt that leads to an Easter basket or other surprise and just reserve boiled eggs for eating.  But even if you don’t hide or hunt any eggs, take time to reflect on the beauty of creation and the gift of family this spring.