Two Major Companies Publish Comprehensive Crustacean Welfare Policies
Aquatic Life Institute has supported major companies, Tesco and Hilton Foods, in producing comprehensive crustacean welfare policies, both released this month.
Crustacean aquaculture has grown dramatically over the past 20 years. In 2018, 9.4 million tonnes of decapod crustaceans were produced from aquaculture, which could translate to more than 600 billion individual animals, and countless numbers are also caught in fisheries.
As the market for decapod crustaceans expands, so does public concern about the practices involved in their farming, transport, and slaughter. This concern is heightened by recent evidence suggesting that decapod crustaceans likely experience pain and possess complex cognitive abilities. Combined with the 2022 UK law recognizing these creatures as sentient beings, this has created a pressing need for, and implementation of, higher industry welfare standards.
We're thrilled to share two significant milestones in the corporate world of aquatic animal welfare. Major corporations, Tesco and Hilton Foods, have recently published crustacean welfare policies that promise to significantly improve the lives of millions of farmed crustaceans. These efforts are part of Aquatic Life Institute (ALI)’s Corporate Initiative, launched in 2023, which aims to assist large-scale buyers in integrating animal welfare considerations into their procurement practices.
Tesco publishes Farmed Decapod Crustacean Welfare Policy
Tesco, the largest retailer in the United Kingdom, published a comprehensive decapod crustacean welfare policy this month, developed with the support of Aquatic Life Institute and other organizations. In advance of this policy release, ALI advised Tesco on aquatic animal welfare, sharing science-based resources to support their decision-making process, and providing feedback on policy drafts. The policy applies to all own label Tesco Welfare Approved (TWA) farmed decapod crustaceans in the following categories:
Fresh
Frozen
Canned
Pre Prepared
Here are the key highlights of Tesco's new policy:
Tesco will not sell any live decapod crustaceans in stores and online.
By 2026, 100% of the farmed Penaeus vannamei shrimp will be electrically stunned. Tesco affirms that it is exploring the practicalities of implementing this across P. Monodon supply chains with suppliers.
100% of the suppliers will comply with recognized farm assurance schemes (certifiers), such as ASC, Global GAP or BAP 4.
100% of the suppliers will achieve a Forage Fish/Oil Dependency Ratio of <1 by 2030.
100% of shrimp broodstock used to produce the post-larvae (PL) for Tesco will be ablation free by 2026 (Penaeus Vannamei) or 2027 (Penaeus Monodon).
As one of the world’s largest retailers by revenue, Tesco’s public commitment to ensuring high welfare throughout the lifecycle of farmed decapod crustaceans in their supply chain—from farming to slaughter—is a crucial step in recognizing the sentience of these animals. This robust policy reflects the increasing consumer demand for substantial welfare considerations and commitments, and is likely to inspire other retailers to follow suit.
Hilton Foods publishes their first crustacean welfare policy
Aquatic Life Institute also supported Hilton Foods, a leading international multi-protein processor, in producing their first crustacean welfare policy this month, recognizing crustaceans as sentient beings and addressing their welfare during farming, transport, and slaughter.
Some of the key highlights from the new policy include:
A commitment to eliminating eye-stalk ablation by 2026 in UK supply chains
A public statement that 100% stunning before slaughter is performed on farmed crustaceans (electrical or thermal), wild crabs and lobsters
A commitment to explore environmental enrichments, giving crustaceans a more positive rearing experience, as well as ensuring appropriate stocking densities on farms
A commitment to purchasing farmed crustaceans from independently certified farms, and the certifications they accept are Global Gap, Best Aquaculture Practice, Aquaculture Stewardship Council and Organic Certification
“We are pleased to have the support of Aquatic Life Institute for our work on animal welfare. Their assistance in shaping this policy underpins our shared commitment to promoting responsibility across this area,” - Teresa Fernandez, Aquaculture Specialist / Hilton Seafood UK.
Final note
Aquatic Life Institute is confident that the commitments made by Tesco and Hilton Foods will set a strong precedent, encouraging more companies to adopt similar comprehensive welfare policies in response to the growing consumer demand for ethical practices. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work with these corporations and influence positive change in the seafood industry.