Children for many years have enjoyed decorating eggs as a part of the Easter tradition. Easter festivities continue much the same today, but because we know more about food safety, we know there is a right way and a wrong way to handle eggs. Eggs may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria that can grow on the shell and inside the egg without causing it to look, smell, or taste bad. If eggs that have bacteria are eaten you may get sick.
Children are especially susceptible to foodborne illness.
Handling eggs correctly and cooking them thoroughly will kill the bacteria. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the traditions of decorating and eating eggs safely. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling eggs at every step, including cooking, cooling, dying, hiding and peeling. Store eggs in their cartons in the refrigerator if you won't be coloring them right after cooking them. Refrigerate eggs at all times other than during cooking and decorating.