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Frequently Asked Questions

The following are some of our most frequently asked questions on the EQA® program. Don’t see your question here? Get in touch and we’ll be happy to answer them for you.

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Egg Quality Assurance™ (EQA®) Program Details

What is the Egg Quality Assurance™ (EQA®) program and certification mark?

The Egg Quality Assurance™ (EQA®) program is an industry-wide initiative certifying that eggs from regulated Canadian farms meet strict food safety and animal welfare standards. 

The EQA® certification mark is an instantly recognizable sign that indicates eggs have met these standards. It signifies that the eggs are safe, local, and high-quality.

What is the Animal Care Program?

The Animal Care Program ensures that hens are well cared for. Canadian egg farmers follow the strict program standards to maintain their EQA® certification. The Animal Care Program enforces over 100 requirements to ensure hens have a comfortable environment, a well-balanced and nutritious diet, fresh water, and clean surroundings.

What is the Start-Clean Stay-Clean® program?

The Start Clean-Stay Clean® on-farm food safety program focuses on preventing, reducing and eliminating food safety hazards at the farm level. Canadian egg farmers follow this detailed program carefully, which includes guidelines for regular cleaning and disinfection, proper handling of eggs, and strong biosecurity measures. This approach ensures eggs stay safe at every stage of production.

Why is a program like EQA® necessary?

Canadians trust Canadian egg farms, with 84% trusting their quality and safety.¹ However, Canadians also want to know where their food comes from and that it meets high standards.

To meet this demand, the Canadian egg industry created the EQA® program and the EQA® certification mark. This initiative is designed to certify and indicate that eggs are produced by local Canadian farmers dedicated to quality and meeting national food safety and animal care standards. 

¹ Environics Analytics (May 2023). EFC Omnibus Survey. [Unpublished data]. Prepared for Egg Farmers of Canada.

Who developed the EQA® program and who oversees it?

The EQA® program was developed collaboratively with the entire Canadian egg industry, including farmers, graders, processors, foodservice providers and retailers, working together to promote the benefits of EQA® certified eggs to Canadians.

Egg Farmers of Canada oversees the EQA® program, maintaining its integrity and ensuring that all regulated farmers uphold its strict standards, while also supporting the promotion of the EQA® certification mark.

Is the EQA® program mandatory?

All regulated Canadian egg farmers are required to meet the standards of the EQA® program, including the strict standards of the Start Clean-Stay Clean® on-farm food safety program and the Animal Care Program.

While licensing the EQA® certification mark is voluntary for farmers, egg graders, processors, retailers and foodservice providers, they are encouraged to display the EQA® certification mark to build trust in the quality of Canadian eggs.

Are the Egg Quality Assurance(EQA®) program standards new?

The EQA® program was launched in 2019, however, the national standards behind the program have been followed for more than 20 years through the Start Clean-Stay Clean® on-farm food safety program and Animal Care Program.

How often is the EQA® program updated?

All EQA® program standards are reviewed regularly, and requirements are updated as new research and data becomes available.

Egg Quality Assurance™ (EQA®) Certified Eggs

Are all eggs included in the EQA® program?

The EQA® program applies to all types, colours and sizes of eggs produced on regulated Canadian egg farms. Imported eggs are not covered by the EQA® program’s standards and cannot receive EQA® certification.

What happens if eggs do not meet EQA® requirements?

Eggs from regulated farms that do not comply with EQA® program standards cannot carry the EQA® certification mark. These eggs will not be available for purchase in grocery stores or via foodservice until corrective actions are taken to meet the standards.

What is the difference between EQA® certified and Grade A eggs?

The EQA® program and its certification mark are focused on Canadian origin, egg farming practices, food safety and animal welfare. In contrast, the grading ratings relate to the eggs’ weight, shell quality and the condition of the yolk and white. The EQA® certification mark ensures high standards on the farm, while grading focuses on the physical quality of the eggs.

Is there something that visually identifies eggs certified by the EQA® program?

Yes, egg cartons, restaurant menus and advertising materials with the EQA® certification mark show that those eggs have met the program requirements.

However, using the mark is voluntary. Even if some egg cartons and egg products do not feature the certification mark, they could still meet the standards of the EQA® program. 

What does egg quality mean for the Egg Quality Assurance program?

Egg quality means that all EQA® certified eggs are laid by hens that are well cared for by Canadian farmers, on farms that uphold strict food safety standards. They are freshly sourced across Canada, typically reaching stores in less than a week.  

Egg Quality Assurance™ (EQA®) Licensees

Is there a cost for becoming a licensee and using the EQA® certification mark?

There are no costs for egg farmers, graders, processors, retailers or foodservice providers to obtain licensing and use the EQA® certification mark.

How can licensees utilize the EQA® mark?

EQA® licensees can add the certification mark to their egg cartons, restaurant menus and advertising materials if following the EQA® brand guidelines. All artwork with the EQA® certification mark must be reviewed by Egg Farmers of Canada before production.

How can I obtain and use the EQA® certification mark for my product or business?

Canadian egg graders, processors, retailers and foodservice providers who want to display the EQA® certification mark must complete a licensing agreement with Egg Farmers of Canada. The first step in the application process is to reach out to us through our contact us page.

Why should I choose to use the EQA® certification mark?

Displaying the EQA® certification mark makes it easier for consumers to make confident and informed food choices. By licensing the EQA® certification mark, businesses can leverage an easy-to-recognize mark to show that their eggs are safe, local and high-quality.

Egg Quality Assurance™ (EQA®) For Consumers

What are the benefits of purchasing EQA® certified eggs?

Eggs displaying the EQA® certification mark come from Canadian farms that follow a strict animal care program and food safety program. In other words: EQA® certified eggs come from Canadian farmers who produce safe, local, and high-quality eggs for you to enjoy. 

How can I be sure the eggs I buy come from a Canadian farm?

There are two important ways to identify eggs that come from a Canadian farm, including:

  • Product of Canada label: Many egg cartons display a “Product of Canada” label. 
  • Egg Quality Assurance™ (EQA®) certification mark: This certification mark indicates that the eggs meet strict food safety and animal welfare standards, and come from local Canadian farms. The EQA® certification mark can be found on egg cartons, egg products, restaurant menus and more.
How often are farms audited for compliance?

Trained inspectors and third-party auditors inspect farms to verify compliance with our food safety program and animal care program regularly, ensuring standards are consistently applied across the country.

Where can I find eggs that are EQA® certified?

You can find EQA® certified eggs in grocery stores, restaurants and other foodservice locations. To help identify them, look for the EQA® certification mark!

Does the EQA® certification cover other egg products, like egg whites?

Yes, the EQA® certification extends to any product made with eggs sourced solely from regulated Canadian egg farmers. This includes egg whites and other processed egg products.