The FDA mandates that shellstock tags be kept on a shellfish container until it is emptied and then kept for 90 days. The National Shellfish Sanitation Program Guide for the Control of Molluscan Shellfish serves as the foundation for this criterion.

This 90-day period, according to the Spokane Regional Health District, gives viruses and parasites time to develop or incubate. In accordance with FDA regulations, shellstock tags must also include details about how the shellfish was caught, moved, and prepared. All merchants and restaurant operators should examine all local and state regulations in addition to federal obligations because each state or county may have its own unique rules.