Where Can I Purchase Humanely Farmed Shrimps?
An increasing number of retailers and seafood suppliers have committed to sourcing shrimps exclusively from producers who prioritize animal welfare. As consumer awareness grows, we expect this list of forward-thinking companies to expand, reflecting a broader shift toward more ethical and sustainable aquaculture practices.
How is Electrical Stunning used in Shrimp Farming?
Electrical stunning is a method used to render shrimps unconscious or insensible to pain before slaughter, improving animal welfare during the harvest process. Machines called “stunners” use a controlled electric current to disrupt shrimps’ nervous systems so they lose consciousness, helping to reduce pain and distress.
Which Supermarkets Have Committed To Electrically Stun Their Shrimps?
Tesco (UK)
Marks & Spencer (UK)
John Lewis Partnership/Waitrose (UK)
Ocado (UK)
Sainsbury’s (UK)
Co-op (UK)
Morrisons (UK)
Albert Heijn (Netherlands)
Shrimp Welfare Project provides electrical stunners to shrimp producers at minimal or no cost, enhancing animal welfare standards and supporting the industry’s commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Learn more about our Humane Slaughter Initiative.
What is Eyestalk Ablation?
Eyestalk ablation is the practice of removing one or both of a mother shrimp’s eyes by crushing, cutting, burning, or tying it off in order to speed up the breeding process. However, this can actually lead to lower financial profits for farmers, because it leads to shorter lifespans and health issues for both mother shrimps and their offspring.
Which Retailers Have Committed to Using Eyestalk Ablation-Free Suppliers?
Tesco (UK)
Marks & Spencer (UK)
John Lewis Partnership/Waitrose (UK)
Ocado (UK)
Sainsbury’s (UK)
Co-op (UK)
Morrisons (UK)
Albert Heijn (Netherlands)
Shrimp Welfare Project celebrates producers, suppliers, and retailers who have committed to not using ablated mother shrimps in their supply chains. We raise awareness and promote more humane practices in the shrimp industry, shining a spotlight on companies who are leading the way in responsible and ethical aquaculture. Learn more about our Eyestalk Ablation-Free programme.
Where Can I Buy Higher-Welfare Shrimp in the United States?
Unfortunately, humanely stunned and slaughtered shrimps are only available at certain grocers in Europe, though Shrimp Welfare Project is working hard to expand our programme across the whole of Europe and into North America, and hope to have more options for consumers soon.
To stay up-to-date on the latest news about corporate commitments for higher shrimp welfare, sign up for our monthly Newsletter.
You can show a demand for higher welfare shrimps by contacting your local supermarket and asking about their shrimp welfare standards. Inquire about their commitments to address humane slaughter and eyestalk ablation, and mention Shrimp Welfare Project as a resource – we’re here to help!
Learn more about our Corporate Engagement.
(Updated June 13, 2025)
