Iceland Foods has confirmed it will phase out the controversial practice of eyestalk ablation across its own-label prawn supply chain by the end of 2027, as part of a wider push to raise animal welfare standards.

The frozen food specialist’s announcement puts it in line with other major supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Co-op, Waitrose and M&S, which have all made similar commitments in recent years.

In addition to ending eyestalk ablation, a process used in some prawn farming to induce spawning, Iceland said it would introduce electrical stunning across its prawn supply chain as standard.

Electrical stunning is seen as a more humane method of ensuring prawns are unconscious before slaughter.

The move follows what Iceland described as “detailed work” by its technical team and suppliers to develop a transition plan that protects product quality and affordability while improving welfare standards.

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The retailer is also expanding its range of prawns certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), aiming for 100% ASC verification on its own-label prawn products by 2026.

Iceland director of product, packaging and sustainability Stuart Lendrum said: “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.

“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.”

Lendrum added that most of the transition would be delivered during 2026, with full implementation of electrical stunning across all own-label prawn lines by the end of 2027. He said suppliers were fully supportive of the retailer’s direction.

The commitment is the latest step in Iceland’s broader ‘Doing it Right’ responsible sourcing strategy, which combines supplier collaboration with animal welfare and environmental pledges.