The Co-op has committed to eliminating some of the most harmful and outdated practices in the shrimp industry.

In what the convenience retailer describes as a “groundbreaking move for animal welfare”, 100% of the prawns in its supply chain are now free from the controversial practice of eyestalk ablation. The process sees the removal of one or both eyestalks from female prawns, which stimulates the creatures to develop mature ovaries and produce more offspring.

Co-op has instead committed to implementing electrical stunning – a technique that renders prawns unconscious instantly – for all farmed prawns by 2027. Just last month, Waitrose made a similar pledge to introduce electrical stunning across its entire supply chain by the end of next year.

In addition to banning eyestalk ablation, Co-op is also addressing the method of slaughter. Traditionally, farmed prawns are killed by asphyxiation on ice, a slow and distressing process. The supermarket said that its commitment to introducing electrical stunning “will set a new benchmark for humane treatment in the industry”.

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The grocer’s policy, created with support from animal welfare organisation Aquatic Life Institute (ALI), will impact an estimated 37.8 million prawns annually.

A spokesperson said: “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.

“Support from organisations such as Aquatic Life Institute has been invaluable, and we’re proud to be making this change”.

Other supermarkets, including M&S, Tesco and Sainsbury’s, have already made similar commitments. The policies, designed to improve the welfare of aquatic animals, are quickly becoming a standard in the industry, reflecting growing consumer demand for ethically sourced food.

ALI corporate engagement lead Cecelia Valenza added: “Co-op’s commitment to banning eyestalk ablation and adopting humane stunning techniques is a true game-changer—not just for its own supply chain, but for the entire industry.

“It sets a clear precedent that other retailers—both in the UK and internationally—must follow if they want to align with evolving ethical and sustainability standards.”