Egg Quality Certification Aligns with Consumer Preference for Sustainable Food
More than half of Canadians factor in sustainability when it comes to purchasing their food.1 Yet, with more and more choices on store shelves, it can be difficult for consumers to identify foods created with responsible production practices.
According to a recent study commissioned by Egg Farmers of Canada, Canadian consumers increasingly want to know how their food makes it from the farm to their table, and 70% of Canadians are factoring in key sustainability considerations - such as the nutritional value of the food, whether it is locally sourced and if it meets quality and safety standards - when making their purchasing decisions.1
The Egg Quality Assurance™ (EQA®) certification mark is an important tool to provide Canadians with the clarity and confidence they need when purchasing fresh, local and high-quality eggs.
The components of the EQA® program are core pillars of sustainable egg farming in Canada. It all starts on the farm, where egg farmers nationwide follow the Start Clean-Stay Clean® food safety program. From inspections to mandated standards for storage, cleanliness, air quality and more, the program is acknowledged by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for being technically sound.
At the same time, Canadian egg farmers take part in a national Animal Care Program, which is based on a national Code of Practice. This includes regular inspections and third-party audits to ensure hens have a comfortable environment, a well-balanced and nutritious diet, fresh water, and clean surroundings.
Farmers must follow the rigorous standards of both the Start Clean-Stay Clean® program and Animal Care Program. In fact, all regulated egg farms must meet these standards to receive their EQA® certification and for their eggs to be sold in stores or at restaurants.
For Canadians, the EQA® certification mark is more than a symbol, it’s a beacon of trust. Especially for the 9 out of 10 Canadians who feel that a quality symbol on egg cartons would reassure them that the eggs meet national standards.2
For leaders in retail and foodservice, displaying the EQA® certification mark on cartons, products and menus means meeting consumer preferences and showing them they can trust the Canadian eggs you sell.
For more information on the Egg Quality Assurance™ program and to learn more about the standards behind the EQA® certification mark, visit eggquality.ca.
1 Egg Farmers of Canada. (2023, June). Egg product sustainability messaging study.
2 Egg Farmers of Canada. (2019, February). National Egg Quality Assurance Omnibus.