Shrimp are typically killed by immersion in ice brine or by being boiled alive. Growing evidence for crustacean sentience strengthens the welfare case for pre-slaughter stunning methods.
Shrimp slaughter welfare represents one of the most numerically significant welfare improvements available in food systems. The probability that shrimp can experience pain, while uncertain, is sufficiently supported by evidence to justify precautionary investment in pre-slaughter stunning. Electrical stunning systems that can process shrimp rapidly and at scale are technically feasible and are being developed for commercial application. The food industry's engagement with this question has accelerated following legislative recognition of decapod sentience in the UK. Consumer pressure and retailer commitments represent the most immediate drivers for industry change, as regulatory requirements are likely to lag the available scientific evidence and technical solutions.