Shellfish Safety Regulations in Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia DHEC Shellfish Sourcing & Certification Requirements

All shellfish served in Atlanta must come from Georgia Department of Public Health-certified sources or FDA-approved interstate suppliers. Restaurants cannot accept shellfish from uncertified fisheries or wild-harvested sources. Each shipment requires documentation including harvest dates, water classification status, and supplier certification numbers. Atlanta health inspectors verify source documentation during routine and complaint-driven inspections. The Georgia Shellfish Sanitation Program maintains a list of approved harvesting areas and certified dealers that restaurants must reference when ordering oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops.

Temperature Control & Cold Chain Storage Standards

Live shellfish in Atlanta must be stored at 41°F or below, or on ice maintaining that temperature. Georgia food code requires separate, clearly labeled storage from other foods to prevent cross-contamination. Shucked shellfish (meat removed from shell) must be held at 41°F or below and discarded after 7 days if the original harvest date is unknown. Cooked shellfish must reach an internal temperature of 165°F for at least 15 seconds. Atlanta health inspectors check refrigeration logs, thermometer accuracy, and storage organization as critical control points during facility inspections.

Labeling, Documentation & Inspection Focus Areas

Georgia requires all shellfish to display tag or label information including harvest date, source, and shipper identification. Restaurants must maintain these tags for 90 days for traceability during recalls or outbreak investigations. Atlanta health inspectors specifically examine shellfish receiving logs, cold storage conditions, employee training records on time-temperature abuse, and proper handling of cracked or dead shellfish (which must be discarded immediately). Violations such as improper temperature storage, missing source documentation, or inadequate employee training result in points against facility ratings and potential permit suspension.

Get real-time shellfish recall & safety alerts. Try Panko free.

Real-time food safety alerts from 25+ government sources. AI-scored by urgency. Less than one bad meal a month — $4.99/mo.