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.
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.
The EQA® program brings together the egg industry under one national certification to ensure all eggs produced on regulated egg farms meet strict food safety and animal welfare standards.
Although EQA® was launched in 2019, these national standards have been followed for more than 20 years through the Start Clean-Stay Clean® program and Animal Care Program.
Canadians trust Canadian egg farms, with 84% trusting their quality and safety.¹ However, they also want to know where their food comes from and that it meets high standards.
To meet this need, the Canadian egg industry created the EQA® program. The EQA® certification mark shows that eggs are produced by local Canadian farmers dedicated to quality and meeting national food safety and animal care standards. This aligns with Egg Farmers of Canada’s commitment to continually improve egg farming practices and ensure a safe food supply.
¹ Egg Farmers of Canada (May, 2023). EFC Omnibus Survey.
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 represents over 1,200 regulated egg farms across the country and works to ensure that Canadians have access to fresh, local, high-quality eggs produced under stringent standards for food safety and animal care. The EQA® program was developed to unify and elevate the standards of egg production across Canada, providing a reliable certification that consumers can trust.
All registered Canadian egg farmers must follow the Start Clean-Stay Clean® program and Animal Care Program, which are key parts of the EQA® program.
While joining the EQA® program is voluntary for 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.
The EQA® program applies to all types, colours and sizes of eggs produced on regulated Canadian egg farms.
Imported eggs from the United States are not covered by the EQA® program’s standards and cannot receive EQA® certification.
The EQA® program includes enforcement mechanisms. Eggs from registered farms that do not comply with EQA® requirements cannot carry the EQA® certification mark. These eggs will not be available for purchase until corrective actions are taken to meet the standards.
The EQA® program is a national certification focused on 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 ensures high standards on the farm, while grading focuses on the physical quality of the eggs.
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 Canadian-produced egg cartons and egg products do not feature the mark, they could still meet the certification standards of the EQA® program.
Egg quality is determined through a comprehensive and rigorous set of standards that encompass every stage of egg production. The EQA® program focuses on several key areas to ensure that eggs are safe, high-quality and produced with exceptional care.
There are no costs for egg farmers, graders, processors, retailers or foodservice providers to participate in the EQA® program.
Eggs from all registered Canadian egg farms that meet the standards of the Start Clean-Stay Clean® program and Animal Care Program qualify for EQA® certification. 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. There are no licensing fees for using the certification mark.
EQA® licensees can add the mark to their egg cartons, restaurant menus and advertising materials if following the EQA® brand guidelines. All artwork with the EQA® mark must be reviewed by Egg Farmers of Canada before production.