UK retailer Iceland has confirmed it will eliminate the use of eyestalk ablation across its own-label shrimp supply chain by the end of 2027 and move to the use of electrical stunning, as part of its wider ongoing commitment to responsible sourcing and improved animal welfare.
According to Iceland, the move follows detailed work by its technical team with suppliers to build a transition plan that maintains product quality, protects affordability for customers, and supports practical improvements in farming standards.
Eyestalk ablation is a procedure where one or both eyestalks are removed from a shrimp to induce egg production. This practice remains common in aquaculture, with the aim of increasing the number of eggs produced by female shrimp.
Iceland is also expanding its range of shrimp certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), with its own-label range 100% independently verified to this higher standard by 2026. The new timetable will accelerate progress towards removing ablation entirely and in addition, working in support of the ASC certification standard and with verification of the welfare benefits of electrical stunning, this will be rolled out across all Iceland own-label prawn products by 2027.
“We’re proud of the steps we’ve already taken to improve welfare in our seafood sourcing, but we know that prawn welfare is an area of wide concern and industry focus, with much progress now in place across many businesses. That means eliminating eyestalk ablation and integrating electrical stunning in a way that is practical, science-led and supports long-term supplier partnerships, while continuing to provide quality, affordable food for families across the country,” Iceland Foods Director of Product, Packaging and Sustainability Stuart Lendrum said.
“We’re pleased that our suppliers are backing this direction, and that we are now on a clear path to eliminate ablation with the majority of this delivered in 2026 and to integrate electrical stunning across our own-label prawn range by the end of 2027.”
Iceland said the new commitment builds on its broader ”Doing it Right” sourcing values, combining long-term supplier collaboration with meaningful improvements in animal welfare and environmental responsibility.
