Is Easter egg dye dangerous for your kids?
Avoid food dyes and color your Easter eggs with all natural, plant-based alternatives.
By Aimee Heckel
The sweet family tradition of dying Easter eggs could actually be hazardous to your health, according to medical professionals.
Some egg dyes are made with potentially poisonous ingredients, according to the University of Kansas Hospital. In addition, during a holiday filled with tiny, colorful candies, sometimes children mistake these dye tablets for candy.
Here are some ways to keep your family safe this Easter when coloring your eggs:
1. If you buy dye at the store, always make sure it is labeled “nontoxic.” Select food-grade dyes.
Even if a dye is labeled nontoxic, consider that the Center for Science in the Public has been trying to get all food dyes banned for years. The FDA has responded there’s not enough evidence to warrant this action, but it remains a controversial topic in some circles.
2. Supervise your children closely when dying eggs.
3. Consider using nontoxic, natural dye alternatives instead. Soak eggs in cranberries to turn them red or kale for green.
Check out these great recipes by ABC.com and Better Homes and Gardens for various, natural egg dyes that you can quickly and easily make at home.
4. Make sure your eggs are not spoiled. Always keep them refrigerated, and toss them if they’re left out for more than two hours. They should stay fresh for one week in the fridge after coloring them.
5. If you don’t want to make your own natural dyes, check the web for safe, premade options.
The Vault sells Natures Veggie Egg Dye, $16, egg dyes made out of fruit and vegetable powders. Save money with these Vault coupons, plus get an additional 6 percent Cash Back from ShopAtHome.com.
Read more articles about saving money on Vault purchases here.
6. Use stickers, markers, Crayons and chalk instead. Williams-Sonoma sells a chalk kit that will help you transform your eggs into mini chalkboards.
Save money on other purchases for your family with these babies and kids coupons.
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