![](https://www.eggfarmers.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/EFC-Header-GuideToBuyingEggs-1440x450-1-1440x450.jpg)
The choice is yours! A guide to buying eggs
By Egg Farmers of CanadaCanadian eggs are among the best in the world for quality and freshness. Egg farmers take great pride in providing a range of choice—from classic white and brown eggs to enriched, free range and free run, to organic and vitamin enhanced. When you shop, you always have a choice.
Canadian eggs are produced according to world-class standards
No matter which type of Canadian eggs you choose, here is what they all have in common:
![](https://www.eggfarmers.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/EFC-Support-GuideToBuyingEggs-1-960x596-1.jpg)
Canadian eggs are fresh. Farmers produce eggs to world-class standards, and eggs travel from our farms to the store in about a week. No matter which type of Canadian egg you choose, you are enjoying a fresh, nutritious food.
![](https://www.eggfarmers.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/EFC-Support-GuideToBuyingEggs-2-EN-960x596-1.jpg)
Eggs are produced according to our national on-farm food safety and animal care programs. These national programs—followed by every egg farmer in Canada—include on-farm inspections, record keeping and more. These programs are the foundation of our Egg Quality Assurance™ (EQA®) certification program. The EQA® certification mark makes it easier to identify made-in-Canada eggs, and highlights the incredible quality of Canadian eggs. While some egg cartons already feature the EQA® mark, know that this quality standard applies to all eggs produced on Canadian farms!
![](https://www.eggfarmers.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/EFC-Support-GuideToBuyingEggs-3-960x596-1.jpg)
Egg farmers follow feed regulations set by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Farmers care for their hens and feed them with healthy, nutrient-rich food. Hens are fed a diet of grains, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals. Hens have continuous access to plenty of food and water.
Canadian egg farmers provide a range of choice
Regular white or brown eggs | Regular white or brown eggs come from hens that are housed in small group settings. These are the most common eggs found in Canada. |
Enriched colony or furnished eggs | Enriched colony and furnished eggs come from hens that are housed in small group settings with amenities such as perches and a curtained off area where hens lay their eggs. |
Vitamin-enhanced eggs | Vitamin-enhanced eggs have more of a certain nutrient, like vitamin D or Omega-3. Hens are fed a nutritionally enhanced diet containing higher levels of certain nutrients that make their way from the diet of the hen into the egg. |
Eggs from hens fed a vegetarian diet | These eggs are from hens fed a diet containing only ingredients of plant origin. This is a special case as hens are omnivores. |
Free run eggs | Free run eggs come from hens that roam the entire barn floor. Some of these barns are equipped with multi-tiered aviaries. |
Free range eggs | Free range eggs come from hens that roam the barn floor and access the outdoors when weather permits. Outdoor access is only seasonally available in Canada. |
Organic eggs | Organic eggs come from hens raised in a free range system with access to the outdoors. These hens are fed certified organic feed, and farmers follow the Canadian Organic Standards regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. |
Processed eggs | Processed eggs are shell eggs broken by special machines and pasteurized. They are further processed and packaged in liquid, frozen or dried form, as well as the value-added egg products you’ll find in stores. |