Co-op leads the way on prawn welfare with 100% ablation-free commitment and humane slaughter pledge

Co-op leads the way in ethical prawn sourcing with 100% ablation-free and humane slaughter commitments. Image: Shutterstock

Co-op has become the first UK retailer to achieve 100% ablation-free prawns across its entire supply chain, while also committing to implement electrical stunning for all farmed prawns by 2027. This bold move highlights Co-op’s leadership in ethical sourcing and sets a new benchmark for aquatic animal welfare in UK retail.

Co-op’s prawn welfare policy: no more eyestalk ablation

Co-op’s policy ensures that none of its prawns—whether fresh, frozen, or used as ingredients—are subjected to eyestalk ablation, a painful procedure where part of the prawn’s eye stalk is removed to induce egg production. This step, achieved with the support of Aquatic Life Institute (ALI), prevents unnecessary suffering and promotes better health and welfare outcomes for prawns.

“At Co-op, we are committed to continuously improving animal welfare standards, and all our fresh and frozen prawns, including where used as an ingredient, are 100% ablation-free. We will also implement electrical stunning across our prawn supply chain by 2027. Support from organisations such as Aquatic Life Institute has been invaluable, and we’re proud to be making this change,” 

Electrical stunning: a commitment to humane slaughter

By 2027, Co-op will introduce electrical stunning for all its farmed prawns—a method scientifically recognised as the most humane way to render prawns unconscious before slaughter. This commitment will prevent millions of prawns from suffering during traditional slaughter methods, such as slow asphyxiation on ice.

The combined impact of these policies is expected to benefit an estimated 37.8 million prawns each year, making a significant improvement to prawn welfare in the UK supply chain.

Co-op joins major retailers in improving aquatic animal welfare

With this announcement, Co-op joins retailers like M&S, Waitrose, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s, all of which have introduced or are developing aquatic animal welfare policies. However, Co-op is the first to confirm full ablation-free status, reinforcing its role as a market leader in ethical seafood sourcing.

“This shift highlights the business case for improving aquatic animal welfare—meeting sustainability goals, reducing reputational risks, and staying ahead of regulatory and market trends,” said Cecilia Valenza, Corporate Engagement Lead at Aquatic Life Institute. “This is a major step forward, and we urge other retailers to follow Co-op’s lead.”

Why Co-op’s policy matters for prawns and customers

Eyestalk ablation not only causes pain and distress but can also weaken prawns’ immune systems, leading to higher mortality. By banning this practice, Co-op is helping ensure healthier, more ethically farmed prawns.

Additionally, electrical stunning at slaughter will prevent unnecessary suffering, reflecting growing consumer demand for humane and sustainable seafood.

Aquatic Life Institute’s role in supporting Co-op

Throughout this process, Aquatic Life Institute has provided expert advice, technical resources, and industry insight to guide Co-op in developing and implementing its prawn welfare policies. ALI will continue to work with Co-op to ensure smooth adoption of electrical stunning and identify further welfare improvements.

Setting a new standard for UK retailers

Co-op’s commitment shows that ethical sourcing and business success can go hand in hand, meeting consumer expectations for animal welfare while strengthening brand trust and loyalty.

As Co-op leads the way in prawn welfare, it encourages other retailers to adopt higher standards for aquatic animals, making humane practices the norm across the industry.