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Urbandale, IA - With Easter right around the corner many of you
will have the opportunity to enjoy egg decorating, yolk painting
and hopefully participate in a good old-fashioned Easter egg roll.
The Iowa Egg Council would like to encourage everyone to have a
fun and enjoyable Easter with a quick reminder to follow some simple
food safety guidelines when using the incredible, edible egg.
Always use eggs that have been kept cool. Purchase from a refrigerated
section and refrigerate promptly once you reach your destination.
Your eggs should be held at 45°F or below.
Always wash your hands with hot, soapy water before and after food
preparation, as well as when you handle raw animal products. Begin
with a clean environment. Make sure that all equipment, utensils
and surfaces have been washed properly, this will help eliminate
cross-contamination.
Cook your eggs or egg dishes thoroughly. Holly Sorge from the Iowa
Egg Council states that, "when you are cooking an egg, always
cook until the yolk and white are firm, or they reach at least 160°F.
This will kill any bacteria in the unlikely event any is present."
When making dishes containing eggs, follow the same rule. Cheesecakes,
lasagna, and other egg dishes also need to reach an internal temperature
of at least 160°F. Although it is tempting, refrain from tasting
a mix that has raw eggs in it before it is cooked properly.
If you intend to eat your decorated eggs, only use dyes that have
been made to color food. You may display your eggs, but make sure
they are not out at room temperature for more than two hours. It
is safest to refrigerate them promptly when they are no longer in
use and they may be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Eggs can always be a safe, enjoyable, nutritious and fun food by
simply following food safety rules. Contact the Iowa Egg Council
at 877-469-2334 for more information on the incredible edible egg.
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