There is no shortage of eggs for Ontario consumers, in spite of shelves for some products being temporarily empty in some stores.

This occurred in various locations during the last few weeks following some higher than normal buying volumes as many Canadians driven by concern about the COVID-19 uncertainty stocked up their pantries of many staple foods. Some stores have placed limits on volumes of eggs – not because of any shortage – but to prevent inconvenience for other shoppers.

Ontario egg consumers can be assured there are no egg supply issues and that any individual retail grocery store supply issues should be very short term. Egg demand is being monitored and will be always be responded to by farmers and partners in Canada’s robust egg marketing system.

Major retailers have reported that their supply chains and store teams are responding to the spikes in volume and quickly getting products consumers need back on the shelf. Reports from retailers indicate shopping volumes are already beginning to return to normal. They say that some items, normally slower selling items including hand sanitizer, may continue to take longer to restock.

Our egg farmers and every proud part of the Ontario egg supply chain is working hard to ensure the health and safety of our farmers, business partners, customers, consumers and our communities. The established record of our strong hygiene and biosecurity programs to ensure the highest food safety, worker safety and hen welfare are our best defense as we do everything we can to combat the virus. We are reinforcing these programs with extra measures and contingency plans where appropriate during these extraordinary circumstances.