Iceland has confirmed it will eliminate the use of eyestalk ablation across its own-label prawn supply chain by the end of 2027.
It will also move to the use of electrical stunning in the same period.
The supermarket is the latest to make commitments on prawn welfare and joins, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Co-op, Waitrose and M&S in raising 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.
Read more: Morrisons improves welfare for prawn supply chain
“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,” said Stuart Lendrum, director of product, packaging and sustainability at Iceland Foods.
“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.”
He added the retailer was likely to eliminate ablation with the majority of this measure delivered in 2026, and the integration of electrical stunning across its own-label prawn range by 2027.
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