AUBURN, March 29---When the Easter season comes in springtime, colored eggs will be nestled side by side with chocolate bunnies in cheerful baskets, or lurk in hiding places awaiting to be discovered.

Always handle eggs properly to prevent foodborne illness, says Dr. Jean Weese, a food scientist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

"Throw raw eggs with cracked shells away. However, even eggs with clean, uncracked shells can occasionally be contaminated with bacteria. Proper cooking will destroy the harmful bacteria, and proper handling will prevent bacteria from developing and multiplying.

"Cleanliness is the key," says Weese. "Wash hands with hot, soapy water before handling eggs and again after placing eggs in the boiling water. Bacteria may have gotten on your hands from the shell of the eggs and if you don't wash your hands, you will contaminate clean eggs when you touch them again. "

Kitchen surfaces and cooking equipment also should be cleaned thoroughly. Otherwise, cross contamination can spread bacteria from one food or surface to another.

To reduce the risk of cracked shells in hard-boiled eggs, place a single layer of eggs in a saucepan. Add water to at least one inch above the eggs. Cover the pan and bring water to a boil. Boil eggs at least 2 to 3 minutes then remove pan from heat. Let eggs stand in hot water for about 15 minutes for large eggs and 12 minutes for medium eggs. When they are cool enough to handle, remove eggs from the water and place them in an uncovered container in the refrigerator where they can air dry.

When dyeing eggs, be careful not to crack them, says Weese, as bacteria can enter the eggs through the cracks. Use food-grade dyes, such as commercial egg dyes, liquid food coloring or fruit drink powders. Hard-cooked eggs should not sit out unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours. Keep eggs refrigerated until you put them into Easter baskets. Store eggs on a shelf inside the refrigerator rather than on the refrigerator door so they stay fully chilled.

Do not use hard cooked eggs for hiding. Use plastic eggs and replace them with the hard cooked ones as soon as the hunt is over. If eggs are cracked or broken during the hunt, children may be disappointed when you have to throw them away. Therefore, it is better to keep the hard cooked eggs refrigerated until the hunt. Then, all can sit down and enjoy a safe Easter egg feast.

SOURCE: DR. JEAN WEESE, Extension Food Scientist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System (334) 844-3269