A Half-Dozen Summer Egg Safety Tips
With the summer heat, it can be challenging to keep food cool and safe to eat, especially when it comes to eggs. Although Ohio egg farmers produce only the safest and best quality products, there are still steps that should be taken to make sure every backyard barbeque is a success.
Practice proper food safety by following these tips:
- Pack moist towelettes or use soap and water to clean hands, utensils and surfaces before and after eating.
- Transport coolers in the backseat of an air-conditioned car rather than placing in a warm trunk to keep eggs and other foods at their optimum temperature.
- Ohio summers are hot, and eggs sweat too. Eggs should not be left out of the refrigerator or exposed at room temperature for more than two hours. Because cold temperatures prevent bacteria growth, keep eggs cool during outdoor cookouts by using ice or freezer packs in coolers.
- Egg dishes that are meant to be served cold should be packed in an insulated bag or cooler and kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler. This can be achieved by keeping coolers in the shade and opened as infrequently as possible.
- Cooked egg dishes should be kept in thermal containers and kept at a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
- If party-goers are bringing hard-boiled eggs, they should be left in their shells and kept cold in a cooler. Hard-boiled eggs are safe to eat when left in their shells for up to one week, but once peeled, they must be eaten that day.
Looking for something new? Try out these egg recipes your family and friends are sure to love:
Turkey Sloppy Joe Sliders With Fried Eggs
For more information and nutritious egg recipes, click here.
