BC egg farmers care for the right reasons. There is more to caring for hens than meets the eye. Everyday, regulated BC egg farmers work hard on their farms so that their flocks receive responsible care and that BC egg consumers remain confident in their choices of safe, wholesome eggs that fit their budget and lifestyle.
Registered Canadian egg farmers remain dedicated to following the national Recommended Code of Practice for the care and handling of hens that lay eggs. These standards were developed, reviewed, and approved by organizations including the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, animal scientists, and farmers. The Code of Practice is science-based and, therefore, represents consistent and verifiable best practices for the care of laying hens. Registered egg farmers are inspected and audited annually.
Consistent biosecurity measures minimize the likelihood of poultry diseases being transferred from and to other egg farms. British Columbia is the only province to date with mandatory biosecurity standards and protocols for all poultry farms.
Commitment to the highest standards for food safety
In addition to responsible hen care, registered egg farmers recognize their role in providing a safe and nutritious food that the public can trust. Provincial and federal programs enable egg farmers to achieve the highest levels of food safety:
Start Clean Stay Clean™ (SCSC) Program
As a federal program conducted by the Egg Farmers of Canada (EFC), the Start Clean Stay Clean™ Program has proven successful in making Salmonella enteritidis (Se) contamination a very rare occurrence on Canadian egg farms. Regular testing throughout the year ensures that eggs intended for human consumption are safe.
HACCP* Audit & Accreditation
(*Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) HACCP standards are recognized internationally for ensuring the highest level of food safety. HACCP-based criteria are also incorporated into the Start Clean Stay Clean™ (SCSC) Program.
Responsible hen health & farm management
Egg farmers are experts when it comes to responsible hen health and farm management. Sound research and science form the backbone of consistent and verifiable flock and farm management practices. As a member of the Canadian Poultry Research Council, Egg Farmers of Canada represents registered egg farmers by supporting and contributing to animal care and hen health research. Through the BC Egg Marketing Board (BCEMB), registered BC egg farmers contribute further to critical poultry studies undertaken by the University of British Columbia.
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