When does the 90-day period for retaining shellfish tags begin?

The correct answer centers around the requirement for food safety management concerning shellfish. The 90-day retention period for shellfish tags begins when the product is used up, which is significant because it allows for traceability back to the source of the shellfish in case of foodborne illness or contamination.

When the shellfish is served, the tags must be kept for 90 days from that point. This regulation ensures that restaurants and food handlers can demonstrate accountability and provide information about the origins of the shellfish if necessary. The tags typically include details about where the shellfish were harvested, which becomes crucial for public health investigations.

Other options, such as when the order is placed or when the product is delivered, do not provide a direct link to the consumption and tracking of the shellfish, which is why they do not align with the regulatory requirements focused on safety and traceability. Similarly, the moment the tags are printed is not relevant as it does not correspond to the actual use and monitoring of the product. The emphasis is on maintaining a clear record from consumption to ensure public health standards are upheld.