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Why do I occasionally see American eggs in the store?

Answered by Egg Farmers of Ontario February 24th, 2017

Answer

You may sometimes see American eggs in Canadian grocery stores. Canada imports a limited amount of eggs and egg products from the United States under international trade agreements and import controls.

Why Does Canada Import Eggs?

Canada has a supply-managed egg industry that helps provide a stable supply of eggs for Canadian consumers. However, Canadian egg production does not always meet demand at every point throughout the year.

During periods of higher egg demand, Canada may bring in additional eggs and egg products. Holiday periods such as Christmas and Easter can increase demand for eggs. Supplemental imports can also help address temporary market shortages.

Are American Eggs Safe to Eat?

Yes. Imported eggs must meet Canadian requirements before they can enter the Canadian market. Canada controls egg imports through tariff-rate quotas and import permits.

When you purchase eggs at the grocery store, check the carton for country-of-origin information. This tells you where the eggs came from.

Want to learn more about why you may see American eggs in Canada? Ontario egg farmer Chris explains more in the video below.

About Eggs

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