Easter Egg Safety

Question: What is the best way to cook hard-boiled eggs?

Answer: Put your eggs straight from the fridge into already-boiling water. Then lower the heat to a slow simmer. Cook the eggs for 11 minutes. 

Question: How can you make the eggs easier to peel?

Answer: Remove them from the boiling water and let them air dry for 5 minutes. Then chill them in the refrigerator overnight. Then peel them under cool running water.

Question: Should hard-boiled eggs be refrigerated after they are cooked?

Answer: Yes, refrigerate them within 2 hours if you don’t plan to consume them immediately (within 4 hours).

Question: How long can you store hard-boiled eggs in the refrigerator?

Answer: Hard-boiled eggs, if refrigerated, should be fine if eaten within 7 days.

Question: Can you eat hard-boiled eggs that have been dyed?

Answer: Yes, if a food-grade dye or food coloring is used. The color itself does not present a health risk. However, be sure to wash your hands before dyeing the eggs as you should before doing any other food preparation.

Question: Should eggs used for Easter egg hunts be eaten?

Answer:  Because of the number of contaminants in the outdoor environment, it is recommended that eggs used for egg hunts be discarded afterwards rather than eaten.