Egg Farmers of Canada is working with McDonald’s Canada to launch a new certification trademark for eggs served in the food service chain’s 1,400 restaurants nationwide.
McDonald’s advertising for its Egg BLT McMuffin sandwich sold this summer will display the EQA (Egg Quality Assurance) trademark.
“The EQA program is the culmination of decades of work building world-class standards in the Canadian egg industry. Those standards are upheld through our national programs that include inspections and third-party audits,” said Roger Pelissero, third-generation egg farmer and Chair of Egg Farmers of Canada in a release. “We are pleased that McDonald’s Canada is displaying our EQA mark on their McMuffin sandwiches, showcasing their pride in Canadian eggs and the farmers that produce them.”
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The McDonald’s advertisements will be the first time that most Canadians see the new EQA certification mark, with it appearing on television, print and digital channels from today until the beginning of September.
“We are committed to industry leading certification, and working with other leaders is at the core of our sourcing strategy,” said Rob Dick, supply chain officer, McDonald’s Canada. “Our goal is to benefit Canadian consumers and food producers, and working with the Egg Farmers of Canada accomplishes exactly that.”
All EQA-certified eggs have met the requirements of Egg Farmers of Canada’s national Start Clean-Stay Clean and Animal Care Programs.
The food safety pillar includes everything from on-farm inspections, to mandated standards for storage, cleanliness, air quality, feed and record keeping. Under its animal care program, field inspectors conduct on-farm visits to ensure hens are in a
“comfortable environment, a well-balanced and nutritious diet, fresh water and clean surroundings.”
Egg Farmers of Canada officials say the EQA certification mark provides a visual way to recognize eggs produced under those standards.
