University of Wisconsin - Extension

Easter egg hunts can be fun and safe if a few simple guidelines are followed:

1. Use grade AA or A eggs with clean, uncracked shells that have been stored under refrigeration (at or below 41? F).

2. Refrigerate eggs at home in their original carton until ready to decorate.

3. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after handling eggs.

4. The American Egg Board (AEB) recommends this method for boiling the perfect Easter egg: Place eggs in single layer in saucepan. Add enough tap water to come at least 1 inch above eggs. A tablespoon of vinegar can be added to allow better dye coverage after cooking. Cover pan and quickly bring just to boiling. Turn off heat. If necessary, remove pan from burner to prevent further boiling. Let eggs stand, covered, in the hot water for 15 minutes. Immediately run cold water over eggs or place them in ice water until completely cooled. Store in refrigerator.

5. Do not color or hide eggs whose shells crack during cooking.

6. Use food coloring or food-grade dyes to color eggs if they will be eaten.

7. Refrigerate eggs after coloring until they are to be hidden.

8. Wash with hot, soapy water all utensils, equipment, and work areas that come in contact with raw eggs.

9. Care should be used in choosing hiding places for Easter eggs. Make sure to avoid areas where the eggs might come into contact with pets, wild animals, birds, reptiles, insects or lawn chemicals.

10. Do not eat eggs that have been out of refrigeration for more than 2 hours (less if in hot sun).

11. Use hard-cooked eggs within 1 week.