The sale of ungraded eggs has been permitted by the Manitoba Government at farmers markets across the province.

What does this mean for Manitobans?

As of May 15, 2025, consumers are able to purchase eggs from local vendors selling unregulated eggs. These eggs must be sold by the farmer directly and must be sold in new or clean cartons, must be clearly labelled ungraded eggs and include the farm’s name, contact information and packaging date. When purchasing ungraded eggs the Manitoba Government suggests safe handling of eggs at home, click here.

Manitoba Egg Farmers recommends that immuno-compromised people, children and the elderly do not consume ungraded eggs from unregulated farmers.

Risks to consumers may include Salmonella enteritis contamination which can cause human illness.

Eggs purchased at grocery stores across Manitoba bearing the Egg Quality Assurance mark represent eggs produced by regulated egg farmers.

Regulated egg farmers must meet strict guidelines ensuring food safety and animal care programs that are audited by third-party regulators, including the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Once farms meet strict regulations in place, eggs are graded at a grading station, supervised by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Eggs are sorted into grades, and eggs that aredeclared Grade A are packed in cartons displaying the Egg Quality Assurance mark. Graded eggs are then transported to grocery stores and restaurants across the province in 3 – 5 days.

Egg Quality Assurance™ Certification Program

Canadian egg farmers have made it easier to identify top-quality eggs. The Egg Quality Assurance™ certification (or EQA® for short) is an industry-wide initiative that certifies Canadian eggs are produced according to strict food safety and animal welfare standards.

In order to offer eggs to consumers, farmers must meet the requirements of the national Animal Care Program and Start Clean-Stay Clean® On-Farm Food Safety program to receive and maintain their EQA® certification.

Farmers have many tools on their farms to ensure hens are the top priority. Technology is now at the fingertips of all regulated farmers in Manitoba. This video details the monitoring systems in place on regulated Manitoba Egg Farmers barns. These systems help egg farmers monitor barn temperatures, air circulation, fresh water, hen feed and many other critical details.

For more information on our farm families, visit our regulated egg farmers through our barn tour videos, click here.