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Cooperatives have become the latest British supermarket chain to adopt more humane methods of farming and killing after protests from welfare activists rather than the cruel methods of the industry.
The retailer said Tuesday that by 2027 it has been introducing electrically spectacular to all of its farming shrimp.
It also ended the controversial practice of “ice talk ablation,” a process in which female shrimp eyes are crushed to stimulate egg production.
The cooperative will participate in other major supermarket chains such as Waitrose, Marks and Spencer, Tesco and J Sainsbury. All of these make similar commitments in calls from animal rights campaigners to protect welfare of hundreds of millions of shrimp each year.
The UK imports approximately £570 million worth of shrimp and shrimp per year, and approximately 630 billion agricultural shrimp are slaughtered around the world each year, according to the non-profit Aquatic Life Institute. Of that number, up to 2 million female shrimp will receive ice talk ablation.
According to the laboratory, the method involves crushing or cutting the stems of shrimp’s eyes, causing “severe stress,” compromising the health of the animal and increasing mortality.
The policy change in major supermarkets comes after the passing of UK laws in 2022 and realised that crustaceans, including crabs, lobsters, shrimp and shrimp, are sensory animals and can experience pain, pain and harm.
“The cooperative is committed to continuously improving animal welfare standards, and all fresh, frozen shrimp, including places used as ingredients, are not 100% ablated,” the company said.
Cecilia Valenza of Aquatic Life Institute welcomed the cooperative’s decision, saying it was a “true game changer” and that other retailers must follow suit.
Earlier this year, Waitrose said it would introduce stunning electrical electricity for all farming shrimp by the end of next year, and has already phased out ice talk ablation in its supply chain.
The International Council for Animal Welfare previously urged UK grocery stores, including Asda, WM Morrison and Iceland, to tackle similar measures.
Asda and Iceland were contacted for comments.
Morrisons said they were “very serious” on the issue and working with suppliers to come up with a reliable commitment. We will share details next month.
