Egg Producers

Start Clean - Stay Clean^TM Binder

On-Farm Food Safety Program for Canadian Shell Egg Producers

These records are examples of how records may be kept but not necessarily the manner in which they must be kept. All records must be kept for a minimum of two (2) years. Also refer to the "Backgrounder" for details on record keeping.

Animal Care Program

The Animal Care Certification Program for Laying Hens rates egg farms according to criteria found in the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pullets, Layers and Spent Fowl, published in January, 2003.

EFC Policies and Programs

Reports of the EFC Board

EFC-Funded Egg & Poultry Research

Egg Farmers of Canada (EFC) is committed to supporting research in animal welfare, improvement of production methods, food safety, and egg nutrient enhancement including the development of innovative shell egg products. These projects bring value both to the egg industry and Canadian consumers.

Egg production research allows for the development of technology and ensures a viable future for the egg industry. Producer contributions to the research fund allow for farmers to be actively involved in Canadian egg research.

Research focused on the nutrient enhancement of eggs will also help to benefit the egg producer. This research can demonstrate the most effective way to incorporate valuable nutrients into shell eggs, such as folate and lutein; the development of innovative shell egg products will help maintain consumer interest in the product, and will help the industry grow. Higher demand for shell eggs by consumers will provide opportunities for producers to provide a higher supply to the market.

Research is a vital starting point for all aspects of the egg industry. EFC is confident that by supporting research, this will help the egg industry grow and strengthen the opportunities for producers to meet the demands of consumers.

Funded Projects By Area of Focus

Summaries and Factsheets

Clean Start Pullet Program

‘Clean Start’ is a national, voluntary program that is simple, practical and manageable. This program for pullet producers is HACCP-based, meaning it follows the seven principles of HACCP to reduce and prevent biological, chemical and physical hazards in on-farm food production. However, there is no elimination step of identified hazards within the identified processes.

The ‘Clean Start’ program is generally a biosecurity and facility hygiene program centered around the inputs and process steps of pullet production. The program has been developed in consultation with pullet producers across the country and provincial egg boards. Producers are not limited to the good management practices outlined in the following pages. It is a fact that not all management practices can be applied in any specific production unit. In those circumstances, producers are encouraged to apply the best practice for their production unit; however, the practice must meet the acceptable limits of that elements hazard.