Key Points:

• Fresh and frozen packaged food products are only allowed through an invite-only process. TikTok Shop will notify eligible sellers and share the entry requirements.
• Sellers are responsible for properly packaging, handling, and storing temperature-sensitive products. When required, sellers must maintain a validated and verifiable cold chain.

This policy outlines the requirements for selling Fresh and Frozen Packaged Food Products on TikTok Shop. Eligibility to sell dietary supplements is limited to invite-only sellers. Contact your Account Manager (AM) to learn more.

Fresh and Frozen Packaged Food Products

Fresh and frozen packaged food products are commercially packaged, stored, and delivered at required temperatures to maintain freshness and quality.

Permitted Fresh and Frozen Packaged Food Products

The following fresh and frozen packaged food products are allowed to be sold on our platform by invite-only sellers:

• Meat and seafood
• Milk and dairy
• Cheese
  • Raw milk cheese made from unpasteurized milk must be aged at least 60 days at a temperature no lower than 35°F (1.67°C)
• Baked goods and bread
• Prepared meals
• Beverages
  • Raw juices must be pasteurized or treated using a high-pressure process
• Pet food

Requirements to Sell Fresh and Frozen Packaged Food Products

Select sellers will be invited into this category by their Account Manager (AM). Invited sellers will need to submit documents proving they are qualified to sell these products.
Qualified sellers must use Seller Shipping to fulfill fresh and frozen packaged food orders.
Sellers are also responsible for:

• Ensuring products, packaging, and labeling comply with all applicable laws and regulation. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Nutrition Labeling and Education Act
  • Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
  • Fair Packaging and Labeling Act
• Providing complete, accurate, and up-to-date product information for all listings
• Complying with laws and regulations for identity food claims. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Organic
  • Gluten-free
  • Kosher

Documentation Requirements

Sellers must submit the required documents based on the product type (detailed above).
Detailed requirements for each document are outlined below.

Proof of FDA Registration

Submit one of the following:

• A third-party FDA registration verification letter, or
• A screenshot from the FDA registration portal

The document must show:

• Physical address of the establishment
• Operation type of registered establishment
• Active FDA registration at the time of submission
• If submitting a screenshot, it must clearly show it is from the FDA website

Food Packaging and Labeling

Submit clear images of the product’s packaging and labeling, including:

• Principal display panel
• Information panel

Images must show:

• Product name
• Net weight
• Nutritional information/facts
• Ingredients list
• Allergen declaration (if applicable)
• Manufacturer or distributor name and address

Date labeling must use an accepted format, such as:

• Best if Used By MMDDYYYY
• Best if Used By Nov 16, 2028

Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) Certificate or Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Recognized Scheme Certificate

Required for:

• Deli and sandwiches
• Meat and seafood
• Milk and dairy
• Pasteurized or high-pressure processed juices

cGMP Certificate

Requirements:

• Issued under FDA cGMP (21 CFR Part 111)
  • See FDA's cGMP Regulations for more information
• Must be valid and not expired
• Must state facility complies with 21 CFR Part 111

GFSI-Recognized Scheme Certificate

Accepted certificates include:

• SQF
• BRCGS
• FSSC 22000
• Other internationally recognized food safety certifications

Requirements:

• Certificate must be valid and not expired

USDA Mark of Inspection (for meat, poultry, and egg products)

Required for meat, poultry, and egg products. Submit a clear image showing:

• Meat
  • Establishment number starting with “EST.”
• Poultry
  • Establishment number starting with “P-”
• Egg products
  • Establishment number shown on the shield or display panel, prefixed with “Plant” or “G.”

Temperature Requirements

Sellers must package and handle products to maintain safe temperatures throughout the supply chain. Temperature issues may result in listing restrictions or enforcement actions.

• Frozen products: Keep below 10°F (-12°C) at all times.
  • Ice cream: Keep below 0°F (-18°C).
• Refrigerated products: Maintain between 32°F and 41°F (0°C to 5°C) at all times.

Dry Ice Requirements

• Packages must display the required hazard labels. See example below.
• Shipments must follow federal dangerous goods and hazardous materials regulations. For more information, see Dangerous Goods Policy.

Cold Chain Validation and Verification

Sellers must maintain a cold chain validation and verification program to keep fresh and frozen packaged food safe.

• Validation shows how product temperatures are maintained. This includes worst-case conditions like extreme heat or long delivery times.
• Verification confirms products arrive at the correct temperature.
• If temperature issues occur, sellers must take corrective action.

TikTok Shop reserves the right to request certification of cold chain compliance at any time. Sellers must provide validation and verification documentation within the required timeframe.

Enforcement Actions and Appeals

We regularly review shops for compliance with our policies. If violations are identified, we will take enforcement actions on your shop. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Removing your ability to sell these products
• Assigning violation points
• Removing product listings
• Issuing refunds to customers

For more information on enforcement actions, refer to our Seller Enforcement Policy. If you'd like to appeal an enforcement action, visit the Appeals section for guidance.

Best Shipping Practices

TikTok Shop recommends a transit time of under 72 hours after the order leaves the cold-chain facility. This helps protect product quality and safety.
Labeling and Packaging

• Clearly label packages “Keep Frozen” or “Keep Refrigerated.”
  • This helps customers and alerts carriers to handle the package correctly.
• Major carriers like UPS, USPS, and FedEx provide labeling guidance for perishable goods.

Shipping Speed and Timing

• Avoid slow shipping speeds or delays, which can affect product quality.
• Ship early in the week to reduce the risk of weekend delays.
• Plan ahead for holidays that may impact transit times.

Dry Ice and Gel Packs

• Follow carrier guidance on dry ice amounts based on transit time.
• Dry ice typically sublimates 5–10 pounds every 24 hours. This depends on the density of the expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulating foam container.
• Include enough dry ice to cover at least 24 extra hours in case of delays.