Keep it cool with eggs this summer

With the warm weather approaching, you might be planning a picnic or two. You might even be dusting off your backyard patio furniture so that you can enjoy some grilling and eating out in the sunshine. It all sounds great, but we have to be aware that the jump in temperatures can increase the risk when it comes to the safety of perishable foods. Foods like eggs have to be served safely, especially when being kept and eaten outdoors on a hot day.

So, to ensure that you have a fun and safe summer, we've got some easy guidelines that will keep your tummies happy!

Here are a few tips to make sure your eggs are always safe and delicious:

1) Location! Location! Location!                                                                                                                                  
Eggs are perishable and should always be stored in their original carton in the main body (not the door!) of the refrigerator. This will ensure the eggs are kept at a cool, consistent temperature. The carton also protects the eggs from absorbing strong odours from your fridge and also keeps the best before date handy.

2) Keep it clean!                                                                                                                                                                          
Always wash hands, work areas, utensils and equipment with hot, soapy water before, during and after food preparation – even when reusing for other egg dishes. It's always better to be safe.

3) Timing matters                                                                                                                                                                     
Eggs and egg dishes should not be kept at room temperature for more than two hours and if that time has been exceeded, we recommend you dispose of your egg dish. Two hours allows for bacteria to multiply should there be any. If you know you'll be serving your dish at 1pm for example, but have made it in advance make sure to keep it refrigerated right up until serving time!

4) Shady and cool is best!

If you enjoy basking in the sunshine we don't blame you! We can't say that your egg dish will enjoy it as much as you, though. If possible to keep your eggs under shade (like that of an umbrella or a tree) then make sure to take the opportunity. The sun beating down on your egg dish will likely increase the temperature and accelerate the process of your eggs going bad.                                                                                                                           

5) Best Before                                                                                                                                                                                
The date stamped on the end of the egg carton, called the “best before” date, indicates the length of time your eggs will maintain their Grade A quality and freshness. If your eggs are close to their best before date, make sure to use them only in thoroughly cooked egg dishes. This way, you can still use them about one week after their best before date should you wish to do so. Hmm... that sounds like a great excuse for devilled eggs!

No matter what you are serving, by keeping things fresh, cool and clean, you will be sure to enjoy delicious foods, safely all summer long.