How long must shellfish tags be kept after use?

The requirement to keep shellfish tags for 90 days after use is based on food safety guidelines set forth by health authorities. This practice is essential because it allows for traceability in case there are any issues related to the shellfish consumed, such as foodborne illnesses. Keeping the tags for this duration ensures that the source of the shellfish can be identified and investigated effectively.

The traceability provided by requiring the tags to be retained for 90 days helps health inspectors and food safety professionals to trace the origin of the shellfish back to its harvest location, which is crucial for public health and safety. This length of time aligns with the average incubation period of certain shellfish-related illnesses, enabling any health concerns to be linked back to specific sources if necessary.

In contrast, shorter retention periods would limit the ability to conduct thorough investigations during foodborne illness outbreaks, while longer retention could create unnecessary burdens on food establishments without adding significant benefits to public health.