UPDATE: The Saskatchewan Minister of Health has directed that there will NOT be any need for the grading of eggs sold directly from farmer to consumer in Saskatchewan Farmer’s Markets. This will ensure that the Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority maintain a common-sense approach to food safety, specific to eggs – Lloydminster MLA Colleen Young.
Your farm fresh eggs could be targeted by proposed changes to Food Safety Regulations in Saskatchewan.
Egg farmers at the Border City Farmers Market are calling on consumers to speak up against proposed changes as they fear a ban on the sale of farm-fresh eggs at farmers’ markets and the impact this would have on their livelihood.
“Essentially, the proposed changes to Section 22 would reclassify farmers’ market vendors as “food distributors” and require all food they sell to come from “approved sources.” Ungraded farm eggs – which are traceable, responsibly handled, and have been safely sold at farmers’ markets for decades – aren’t considered an approved source. If passed, this would immediately prohibit our small, local farmers from selling their eggs at farmers’ markets or other boutique retailers,” says Lorisa Upham in an email to MyLloydminsterNow.
Upham shares the farmers’ concerns about consumer being able to get “high-quality local products at a time when many people are putting more energy into supporting Canadian producers and strengthening local food security.”
MyLloydminsterNow has reached out to MLAs Colleen Young and James Thorsteinson.
“Currently the government is looking at this and how to proceed with regulation changes. Stay tuned,” replied MLA Young.
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health proposals target food sales, handling, and distribution across the province.
An online survey which is on until April 2 is back up and running after having been closed temporarily due to reaching the maximum number of responses.
The only remaining recourse for egg vendors is for consumers to make their concerns known to their MLA.
Full details of the Food safety Amendment 2025 are online.
