Yes — raw eggs are safe to eat in Canada when they’re handled properly. Canadian eggs go through one of the most rigorous inspection and grading systems in the world, which keeps the risk of salmonella extremely low. These safety standards set Canada apart from other countries, including the United States, where FDA recalls of eggs happen more often. Learn why egg safety practices differ globally:
https://www.getcracking.ca/question/why-do-you-refrigerate-fresh-eggs-but-europeans-dont
Why Canadian Eggs Stand Out
Canadian egg farmers follow strict national protocols from the moment hens are cared for on the farm to the moment eggs are placed on grocery shelves. These safeguards include:
- Mandatory salmonella testing
- Strong on-farm hygiene and biosecurity
- A national code of quality production practices
- Continuous cooling from farm to table
- Egg grading standards that apply to grocery stores, restaurants, and foodservice
These steps significantly limit contamination risks and ensure that consumers receive safe, high-quality eggs.
Tips for Eating Raw Eggs Safely
If you enjoy raw or lightly cooked eggs, proper handling matters. Follow these guidelines to keep your food safe:
- Choose Grade A eggs with a clear best-before date.
- Confirm eggs stayed refrigerated at the store and at home.
- Pick fresh eggs well before the best-before date.
- Use eggs with clean, uncracked shells.
- Wash your hands, utensils, and work surfaces before and after handling eggs.
- Serve raw egg dishes right away, or refrigerate and eat within a few hours.
- Freeze raw egg mixtures if you need longer storage.
If you’ve wondered, “Can you eat raw eggs?”, here’s a helpful Canadian resource that explains why Ontario eggs are safe:
https://www.getcracking.ca/question/are-ontario-eggs-pasteurized
Trust the EQA Logo
Canadian egg farmers work hard to deliver safe, nutritious eggs year-round. When you see the Egg Quality Assurance (EQA) logo on a carton, you can trust that the eggs meet Canada’s highest standards for food safety and animal care.