Every year lots of young children flock to their church’s hillside, their front yards, or schoolyards to take part in the quintessential competition of finding hidden Easter Eggs.  In modern times the hidden eggs tend to be a plastic casing that either takes the shape of a bird’s egg or is some other springtime embellished shape or trendy character (carrots, flowers, football, or Mickey Mouse).    The eggs tend to also have goodies and trinkets inside ranging from chocolate and candy to money and small prizes.  The much older generations can boast a time when real eggs were hardboiled and hidden.   Family, Elders, or teachers would toss these about and creatively try to place them so there might be a challenge to their seekers.  Egg Hunts still exist today using these real eggs and then are brought in and provided to eat with the holiday meal.  It is important to consider basic Easter Egg Food safety if you choose to dye and hunt fresh, real eggs. 

Eggs contain possible bacteria on their shells including one called Salmonella.  These bacteria can stay on shells and get inside the shells if cracked in transport, during cooking, or through cross-contamination.  When shopping for eggs to use, be sure to open the container and check for cracks.  Wash your hands before and after handling egg containers and individual eggs.  Store raw eggs below fresh and consumable items in the refrigerator.  Make sure to use food-safe dyes when choosing to color your eggs.  Be sure that you check again for cracks in the eggs they might have received during cooking.  These cracked eggs will not be safe to eat after dying and hiding outside, bacteria will transfer to the inside of the eggs through the cracks. If planning to use hunted eggs to eat, then dyed eggs must be kept in the refrigerator until the time of the hunt and be replaced in the refrigerator (40 degrees) within a two-hour window.  When hiding eggs, it is best to choose locations that are free of obvious dirt and bacteria from pests or chemicals in order to safely consume them.  Washing eggs after the hunt is recommended.   It is safe to store hardboiled, dyed eggs that are uncracked for up to one week in the refrigerator.   Don’t let your celebration be an unpleasant one with issues developing from improper food safety and handling of fresh eggs.  For additional information and tips reach out to your local Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent with questions.