What are shellstock tags used for?

Shellstock tags play a critical role in ensuring the safety of shellfish and are vital for tracking their source and handling throughout the supply chain. The primary purpose of these tags is to provide essential information about where the shellfish were harvested, as well as the date of harvest. This is important for maintaining food safety because shellfish can be prone to contamination by pollutants and pathogens. If a foodborne illness outbreak occurs, these tags facilitate traceability, allowing health officials to quickly identify the source of the contaminated shellfish.

While shellstock tags can include information that indirectly relates to tracking expiration and food origin, their primary function is centered on safety and traceability for shellfish consumed. Thus, using these tags is a standardized practice in the food industry to safeguard public health.