Illegal Craft?

[MsLaura529]

So, I was doing some internet searching for getting craft ideas, and I came across the cute and classic caterpillar egg carton project. There were a lot of comments on it, so I figured I would take a look and see what everyone was talking about. Most of them were "love this" and such, and one caught my attention. It was a Child Care Consultant from NC, reminding daycare providers that using egg cartons as a craft is not allowed, as it poses a risk for salmonella. Has anyone ever heard of this? I have a whole collection of egg cartons just waiting to be used. For paint cups, sorting trays, and other crafts.

[Blackcat31]

So, I was doing some internet searching for getting craft ideas, and I came across the cute and classic caterpillar egg carton project. There were a lot of comments on it, so I figured I would take a look and see what everyone was talking about. Most of them were "love this" and such, and one caught my attention. It was a Child Care Consultant from NC, reminding daycare providers that using egg cartons as a craft is not allowed, as it poses a risk for salmonella. Has anyone ever heard of this? I have a whole collection of egg cartons just waiting to be used. For paint cups, sorting trays, and other crafts.

Yes, I have heard this before.

Some centers have some really odd licensing rules.

I use egg cartons and haven't had an issue with them.

[MrsSteinel'sHouse]

See I have often wondered this! I do very few and I spray them with Lysol a couple of days ahead of time.

[Unregistered]

Never heard of it. I have a huge stash of them for crafts & activities.

[MsLaura529]

See I have often wondered this! I do very few and I spray them with Lysol a couple of days ahead of time.

Maybe I'll wipe them out with a Clorox wipe before I stash them away. I just love how they're perfect for little paint cups and such. I'd be bummed to have to get rid of them now.

[Luna]

I wash plastic ones in hot soapy water. I hadn't given the cardboard ones much thought, but I would think a couple of minutes in the microwave should take care of it.
On a side note, I was saving a bunch of closed egg cartons in boxes. I did it for years. One day the light bulb came on and I realized it would be a more efficient use of space to OPEN THEM UP and stack them. Sometimes I think my elevator doesn't go all the way to the top.

[Hunni Bee]

See I have often wondered this! I do very few and I spray them with Lysol a couple of days ahead of time.

I have an upcoming lesson plan about using recycled materials, and egg cartons are definitely on the menu. I'll do this - thanks for the idea.

[itlw8]

We used to use meat trays after washing them years ago for cub scout projects they told us that it was not safe E coli could not be washed off of them if any scratch no matter how small. Same with salmonella you need to find a source of new ones if you want to use them with children.

spraying with Lysol will not kill it because it could soak into the cardboard and really you can not use Lysol on things children handle.... floors are fine but it contains pine tar that causes cancer .

[CedarCreek]

We used to use meat trays after washing them years ago for cub scout projects they told us that it was not safe E coli could not be washed off of them if any scratch no matter how small. Same with salmonella you need to find a source of new ones if you want to use them with children.

spraying with Lysol will not kill it because it could soak into the cardboard and really you can not use Lysol on things children handle.... floors are fine but it contains pine tar that causes cancer .

I have never heard not to use Lysol.

Where is this info on that?

[itlw8]

hmmmm not sure We were taught that in a class by the health dept years ago. I believe it might even say on the bottle not to use on food prep surfaces meaning anything mouthable... maybe search for hazards of pine tar?

[LK5kids]

I heard about it a few years ago. I haven't used an egg carton for a craft since. There may come a time when I do though.

[itlw8]

I did a search and really came up with nothing concrete to back up what he said that day. so was it his opinion or did he have research to back it up. not sure.

[itlw8]

Have your kids wash after using them and they should be fine. they do not put them in their mouths. We let them crack an egg sometimes I think we are too careful just use sense and wash afterwards

[daycaremum]

Yes, I heard this many years ago, but I think it was the salmonella thing and egg allergies.
I use them.
Some centres also have policies against using food stuffs for sensory or crafts as it promotes being wasteful with food instead of using it for nourishment in an age when many children go hungry.

[Hunni Bee]

Yes, I heard this many years ago, but I think it was the salmonella thing and egg allergies.
I use them.
Some centres also have policies against using food stuffs for sensory or crafts as it promotes being wasteful with food instead of using it for nourishment in an age when many children go hungry.

Yeah, our CCR&R was against that...they said we couldn't use rice, beans, etc in our sensory tables. Which was a shame to me because rice is the best in my opinion. But I understand their angle.