Are Eggs Dyed for Easter Safe to Eat?
Yes, if the answers to all the following questions are “Yes.” • Is the dye safe to ingest? Check the package. Most dyes in children’s kits are vegetable dyes and are safe. However, some kits are meant to be used on blown-out eggs, and the decorative materials (such as sprinkles) aren’t intended for consumption. If you use food coloring, of course, that’s also edible. If the dye is edible, it’s okay to eat the eggs even if, when peeled, you note that some color has leaked unto the egg white. • Were the eggs refrigerated within 2 hours? The danger zone for bacterial growth is 40°-140°F. After two hours, the bacterial count may be high enough to cause illness. Refrigerate the eggs after dyeing them. If you hide the eggs for a hunt, be sure the eggs get back into the fridge promptly. • Was your egg hunt an indoor event? If you use your dyed eggs (or other eggs) for an Easter egg hunt that’s held outdoors, consider the fact that these eggs may come in contact with pesticides, animal manure,
