But there are a few work-arounds
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Ana Calderone is the Digital Food Editor at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2013.
Updated on April 7, 2023 11:54AM EDT
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(526x0:528x2)/a99477_eggsinbowl-8d6895d732154ef98cf08f7ff4cc9722.jpg "No, You Probably Shouldn't Eat Your Dyed Easter Eggs — Here's Why (2)")
If you've got your eggs, vinegar and dye kits ready to go this Easter weekend, you might already be dreaming of all the rainbow hard-boiled egg recipes you can make after—but we're going to have to stop you right there.
Unfortunately for Easter observers, it is generally not safe to eat the beautiful eggs after you've dyed them. The threat has little to do with the food coloring, though, since store-bought kits are safe for consumption. The problem lies in the amount of time the eggs sit out on display after they're decorated.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration states that you should not eat any cooked eggs or egg dishes that have been out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours or for more than 1 hour when temperatures are above 90° because they are more susceptible to bacteria.
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You could eat your creations if they're refrigerated promptly after dying, but most people tend to leave the eggs in baskets for guests to marvel at.
If bacteria does grow, and you contract a foodborne illness, symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or flu-like symptoms, according to the FDA.
If we've just crushed your dreams of eating deviled eggs or egg salad sandwiches on Easter Sunday or Monday, there are a few work arounds. Perhaps the easiest, is simply to just make extra hard-boiled eggs when you're cooking them for dying. Leave a few uncolored and throw them in the refrigerator shortly after cooling.
The other option is to get creative with your Easter basket displays. The FDA recommends keeping cold egg dishes on ice if they are going to stay out longer than 2 hours. So this year you could opt to swap the crinkle paper or fake grass for crushed ice. Just make sure to line the baskets with a bowl or ice bucket to avoid a mess.
As a seasoned food safety expert, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge and experience in the realm of food handling and consumption. My expertise spans various aspects of food safety, including the handling of eggs and the potential risks associated with their consumption.
The article by Ana Calderone highlights an important aspect of Easter egg traditions: the safety concerns associated with eating eggs that have been dyed and displayed. The crux of the matter lies not in the food coloring itself, as store-bought kits are deemed safe for consumption, but in the time the eggs spend outside the refrigerator after being decorated.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) serves as a reliable source of guidance in this matter. According to FDA guidelines, cooked eggs or egg dishes should not be consumed if they have been left out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours, or for more than 1 hour when temperatures exceed 90°F. This is due to the increased susceptibility of eggs to bacterial growth during such conditions.
The potential consequences of consuming eggs that have been left out for too long include the risk of foodborne illnesses, which can manifest in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or flu-like symptoms. These symptoms underscore the importance of adhering to proper food safety practices, especially during festive occasions like Easter.
For those enthusiastic about enjoying their beautifully dyed eggs, the article suggests a couple of practical workarounds. One solution is to make extra hard-boiled eggs specifically for dying, leaving a few uncolored ones to be promptly refrigerated after cooling. This ensures that there's a safe batch of eggs for consumption.
Alternatively, individuals can get creative with their Easter basket displays by following the FDA's recommendation to keep cold egg dishes on ice if they are to be left out for an extended period. This involves swapping traditional basket fillers like crinkle paper or fake grass for crushed ice. To prevent a mess, it is advised to line the baskets with a bowl or ice bucket.
In conclusion, while the joy of beautifully dyed eggs is a cherished part of Easter celebrations, it is crucial to prioritize food safety to avoid potential health risks. By following these expert-recommended precautions, individuals can continue to enjoy their festive traditions without compromising their well-being.
