SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — As Easter approaches, many individuals are gearing up for the annual tradition of decorating eggs. Whether you plan to dye eggs for a festive table display or hide them during an Easter egg hunt, adhering to food safety guidelines is essential to minimize the risk of germs while ensuring high egg quality.

Eggs have a remarkable shelf life, which alleviates some urgency around consuming them. Kara Lynch, a food safety educator with Michigan State University Extension, recommends eating eggs within three to five weeks after purchasing. Interestingly, older eggs can sometimes be easier to peel since they shrink over time, causing the formation of an air pocket between the egg and its shell.

To prepare eggs safely, it's crucial to hard boil them thoroughly to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, particularly salmonella, which can reside in chickens' gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts. Kimberly Baker, an associate extension specialist at Clemson University, advises boiling eggs by placing them in a saucepan, filling it with water, and bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, the lid should be placed on the saucepan, the heat turned off, and the eggs allowed to sit for approximately 12 minutes. Cooking time can be adjusted based on personal preference for firmer or creamier yolks, but it's important that the yolk remains solid for safety reasons.

Once boiled, there are two cooling methods recommended by Don Schaffner, food science department chair at Rutgers University. The first option is to run cold water over the boiled eggs to cool them down quickly, making them ready for decoration right away or allowing them to chill in the refrigerator until needed. Alternatively, you could let the eggs air dry until they've completely cooled. The boiling process not only sanitizes the eggs but also ensures that they remain safe to eat as long as they are kept out of water.

In terms of egg decoration, both artificial and natural food dyes are safe as long as they are labeled as food-grade by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which is currently updating its regulations regarding certain food dyes. Baker adds that it's not problematic if dye seeps through the shell as eggs possess a natural ability to absorb limited amounts. While decorating, it's advisable to keep eggs in an ice bath to maintain a cooler temperature.

Observing the two-hour rule is important during egg decoration and hunting. Eggs should be kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius) to minimize contamination risks. Once cooked eggs are left at room temperature, they should not exceed two hours, which includes the cumulative time spent decorating and hiding eggs during the Easter egg hunt. In warmer conditions, this time frame may need to be reduced to one hour. Generally, hard-boiled eggs are good for about a week when stored in the refrigerator.

Before peeling hard-boiled eggs, it's important to inspect them for cracks, which may increase vulnerability to contamination. Baker emphasizes that once an egg has been boiled, there is no way to eliminate bacteria that may have entered through cracks. Therefore, rinsing the eggs in cool water before peeling, along with washing your hands, is a prudent measure to ensure safety.

For outdoor Easter egg hunts, particularly in warmer weather where eggs may remain at room temperature for extended periods, experts recommend using plastic eggs instead of real ones to minimize food safety risks. Baker suggests saving dyed Easter eggs for decorative purposes on your table or buffet, ensuring that safety remains a priority during the festivities.