As many families across the valley prepare for Easter holiday celebrations, some are planning to buy traditional cascarones.

Natalia Rivas tells CHANNEL 5 NEWS she and her employer have sold cascarones for 15 years.

"We keep kids happy, because every year we’re at different locations in the valley, making the eggs accessible to everybody, " said Rivas.

While making sales in McAllen on Friday, Rivas said she and her employer purchased a permit through the city, allowing them to sell the eggs.

McAllen's Director of Health and Code Enforcement, Steven Kotsatos, said buying cascarones from unregistered vendors could be a big mistake.

"There have been outbreaks with certain viruses from bird eggs and chicken eggs from out of the country, " said Kotsatos. "So it is important they buy their cascarones from someone that has a permit."

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, contaminated eggshells may spread Newcastle Disease and Avian Influenza.

Both illnesses could lead to death.

Kotsato said his department will be on the lookout for non-permitted vendors.

He said if you spot an unauthorized vendor in McAllen, you can help his department by calling (956) 681-1900 to speak to an inspector on call.

If a vendor is caught selling cascarones without a permit, they will be issued a citation.

Kotsato said his department has handed out six citations to unauthorized vendors over the last two years.