NASHVILLE, TN (WOKI) — The Tennessee Department of Agriculture says its shellfish safety program continues to meet federal standards following a new evaluation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The FDA’s 2025 Program Element Evaluation Reports reviewed Tennessee’s Plant Processing and Shipping and Risk Assessment programs. The annual assessment recognized the state’s continued compliance with national public health guidelines and identified ongoing improvements.
The review is part of a long-standing partnership between state and federal agencies aimed at keeping shellfish products like oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops safe for consumers.
Tennessee’s program operates under the National Shellfish Sanitation Program and includes strict safeguards from harvest to sale. Those protections include certification of shellfish dealers, verification of approved suppliers, traceability requirements, and temperature controls.
Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher said the evaluation reflects both the strength of the state’s program and the dedication of food safety staff.
The department says its Food Safety team oversees a wide range of food systems beyond shellfish, including manufacturing, storage, distribution, and retail, helping ensure consistent protections for consumers statewide.
