In Canada, you can trust that eggs are always free of added steroids and hormones.
Canadian egg farmers follow feed regulations set by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, part of which states that added steroids and hormones are not approved for use in Canada. This means that the eggs you buy at the store do not contain added steroids or hormones.
In some parts of Canada, a code is stamped onto the eggshell. This code is part of a traceability system which identifies information like the farm where the eggs comes from, the place it was graded, and the best before date.
Through programs like this, we are able to ensure Canadians have a constant supply of fresh, safe and high-quality eggs and that you continue to have confidence in the food you buy for your family.
Yes, it is ok. It’s rare to see as less than 1% of eggs will contain a blood spot. Normally during grading these eggs will be separated, however sometimes an egg will slip through as it’s harder to see blood spots in brown eggs.
Blood spots are caused by the rupture of a blood vessel during the formation of the egg. These tiny spots do not indicate a fertilized egg. If desired, the spot can be removed with the tip of a clean knife prior to cooking.
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On the Farm
What's the difference between free run and free range eggs?
Free run eggs come from hens that roam the entire barn floor. Some of these barns may be equipped with multi-tiered aviaries.
Free range eggs come from hens that roam the barn floor and when weather permits, go outside to pasture. Outdoor access is only seasonally available in Canada.
There are no differences between the nutrient content of these eggs and classic shell eggs.
Each large egg contains 6 grams of protein and 14 important nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, folate, iron and zinc. Eggs are one of the few foods considered to be a complete protein because they contain all 9 essential amino acids. Learn more.
Registered Canadian egg farmers take part in a national Animal Care Program and comprehensive on-farm food safety program, called Start-Clean, Stay-Clean™. These national programs set out important guidelines, based on the latest research and information, and were developed by Canada’s leading experts. Farms are inspected by trained field inspectors and audited against Egg Farmers of Canada’s national programs. Learn more.
At the grading station, eggs are washed in a sanitizing solution and scrubbed with revolving brushes to remove dirt and any bacteria that may be found on the shell. There is no need to wash your eggs at home. Learn more.
Once eggs have left the farm, they go through the grading station to be washed, graded and packaged. After this they are on their way to your local store. Eggs are shipped in refrigerated trucks and when they arrive are immediately put in the cold storage or in a refrigerated display case to help preserve freshness. Across Canada most eggs travel from the farm to the store in less than a week! Learn more.
Canadian egg farmers do more than supply Canadians with fresh, local, high-quality eggs. We are leaders when it comes to being socially responsible and our approach is rooted in our values of integrity and sustainability. Egg Farmers of Canada supports causes that matter to Canadians and our farmers. Learn more.
Canadian eggs are produced by more than 1,000 farm families across every province - even the Northwest Territories. No matter where you shop, the eggs you buy at the store are local.
In Canada, egg farmers use a variety of different systems to house their hens. Each system provides a clean environment, access to fresh food and water, and protection from natural predators. Most hens are housed in temperature controlled barns because the Canadian climate is so variable. This allows farmers to keep a consistent temperature in the barn, and protects the hens from inclement weather like rain, snow, heat and humidity.
In conventional systems, hens are housed in small group settings with plenty of access to food and water. Enriched systems are equipped with perches and a curtained off area where the hens lay their eggs. In free run systems, hens roam the entire barn floor. Some of these barns are also equipped with multi-tiered aviaries. Similar to free run systems, in free range systems hens also roam the barn floor, and when weather permits they go outside. Learn more.
