Trust in Every Egg: The Egg Quality Assurance™ Certification Mark in Canada
Did you know the average Canadian eats over 255 eggs per year? With such high demand, it’s vital to ensure Canada’s egg supply is safe and high-quality. The Egg Quality Assurance™ (EQA®) program was created to remind Canadians that every EQA® certified egg they buy comes from a Canadian farm meeting strict food safety and animal care standards. The EQA® certification mark—which can be found on egg cartons, restaurant menus and advertising materials—symbolizes the fresh, local and high-quality nature of Canadian eggs. Knowing what the EQA® certification mark means and the standards behind it helps Canadians make informed food choices.
National Standards in Food Safety
A key component of the EQA® program is the Start Clean-Stay Clean® program, which focuses on preventing, reducing and eliminating food safety hazards at the farm level.
Canadian egg farmers follow this detailed program carefully. It establishes guidelines that include regular cleaning and disinfection, proper handling of eggs and strong biosecurity measures. This approach helps make sure eggs stay safe at every stage of production.
The Start Clean-Stay Clean® program is reviewed regularly to ensure alignment with the latest scientific information, technical advancements, government regulations and best practices. This approach strengthens already high food safety requirements and ensures that eggs from Canadian farms are produced according to rigorous standards.
National Standards in Animal Care
The Animal Care Program, another key component of the EQA® program, ensures that the health and welfare of hens is a top priority. This national program outlines the steps that Canadian egg farmers must take on their farms to deliver high standards in animal welfare. This includes 100+ requirements that are regularly inspected and audited to ensure hens have a comfortable environment, a well-balanced and nutritious diet, fresh water, and clean surroundings.
As part of this program, trained field inspectors and third-party auditors visit each farm to verify compliance with the program—ensuring optimal care and the consistent application of welfare standards across the country. The Animal Care Program is based on the National Farm Animal Care Council’s Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pullets and Laying Hens which was developed in collaboration with farmers, animal welfare groups, scientists, veterinarians, retailers, government and industry representatives.
Trust the EQA® Certification Mark
The EQA® certification mark is more than a symbol—it is a beacon of trust. Canadians can trust that eggs with the EQA® certification mark are not only safe and local; they are also produced with care.
Look for the voluntary EQA® certification mark on egg cartons, restaurant menus and advertising materials to verify that your eggs meet the program’s rigorous requirements. By choosing eggs with the EQA® certification mark, you are supporting Canadian farmers who adhere to strict standards for food safety and animal welfare.
Make the EQA® certification mark part of your regular food choices and trust the quality in every egg.