Iceland has today confirmed it will eliminate the use of eyestalk ablation across its own-label prawn supply chain by the end of 2027, and move to the use of electrical stunning, as part of its wider ongoing commitment to responsible sourcing and improved animal welfare.
This follows detailed work by the Iceland technical team with suppliers to build a transition plan that maintains product quality, protects affordability for customers, and supports practical improvements in farming standards.
Iceland is already expanding its range of prawns certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), with its own-label range 100% independently verified to this higher standard by 2026. The new timetable will accelerate progress towards removing ablation entirely and in addition, working in support of the ASC certification standard and with verification of the welfare benefits of electrical stunning, this will be rolled out across all Iceland own-label prawn products by 2027.
Stuart Lendrum, Director of Product, Packaging and Sustainability at Iceland Foods, 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.”
The commitment builds on Iceland’s broader ‘Doing it Right’ sourcing values, combining long-term supplier collaboration with meaningful improvements in animal welfare and environmental responsibility.
