Review of stunning methods for farmed insects before processing, and the welfare implications of different methods used in the industry.
Insect welfare at slaughter is an emerging and contested area. While the evidence for insect sentience is debated, the precautionary principle supports minimising potential suffering during killing. Rapid methods that cause quick insensibilisation - such as electricity, CO2, or high temperature - are preferable to slow killing by freezing or desiccation from a welfare perspective.