Major Supermarkets Making Progress in Improving Welfare Standards for Crustaceans
Major supermarkets such as Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, and Sainsbury’s are taking action to improve welfare standards for decapod crustaceans, including crabs and lobsters. However, a new report released by animal welfare organization Crustacean Compassion reveals that while some retailers are making significant improvements, others are lagging behind, allowing cruel practices to continue.
The Snapshot Report 2024, released today by Crustacean Compassion, shows that some supermarkets and seafood producers are making progress in response to growing pressure to improve welfare standards for decapod crustaceans, which were legally recognized as sentient beings in 2022.
However, CEO of Crustacean Compassion, Dr. Ben Sturgeon, warns that some companies are still failing to act.
“There has been some progress in the welfare policies and processes of organizations since our first report in 2022. We have seen some companies really striding ahead, and for the first time seafood processors have overtaken retailers on their overall scores. The best companies are proving that cruelty is outdated—but too many are still looking the other way.”
Recent polls by YouGov in 2025 show strong public support for enhanced protections for decapod crustaceans, with 71% backing a duty of care for owners, 75% supporting humane slaughter methods, and 70% supporting regulated humane transport and slaughter standards.
Leading supermarkets making progress, but some lagging behind
The report highlights that leading supermarkets such as Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco are making real progress, introducing higher welfare policies and insisting on humane stunning before slaughter for at least some parts of their supply chain. However, companies such as ALDI, Amazon, ASDA, and Iceland are among the worst performers, failing to act on welfare concerns.
Dr. Sturgeon emphasizes the importance of companies taking action to maintain consumer trust.
“Consumers expect humane treatment of all animals in the food chain. Companies refusing to improve risk losing public trust and, ultimately, their place in shopping baskets. According to our recent survey, 87.1% of respondents believe that supermarkets should be responsible for upholding the highest animal welfare standards for all sentient animals.”
Marks & Spencer: leaders in welfare
Marks & Spencer continues to set the standard in decapod welfare, showing consistent improvements since the initiative began in 2022. Led by Aquaculture & Fisheries Manager Linda Wood, the company is widely recognized for its proactive approach on higher welfare practices in seafood.
Linda Wood says: “We have the highest animal welfare standards in the industry and for us ensuring these standards is the right thing to do and part of the exceptional quality that sets M&S apart. This year, we’ve seen amazing collaboration with multiple partners finding new innovations to improve the welfare standards for all decapod crustaceans caught and farmed for M&S. The engagement we’ve had from our supply chain in a relatively short space of time is really encouraging. We have achieved a lot but there is much more to do, and we require the continued collaboration of the whole industry to be successful.”
Urgent industry-wide commitments needed
Crustacean Compassion is calling for urgent industry-wide commitments to improve welfare standards, including banning barbaric practices such as live boiling, live posting, and claw clipping, ensuring humane stunning, increasing transparency, and stopping the sale of live crabs and lobsters.
Dr. Sturgeon concludes:
“The Snapshot Report shows that positive change is happening – but it’s not fast enough. Some companies are proving higher welfare standards are possible – so there are no excuses for those still failing to act. The seafood industry must evolve and leave cruelty behind. We are keen to support companies to help them make the improvements and have been working with many in the report already.
Our challenge to the food industry today is to do more to create a better sea to plate story for lobsters, crabs and prawns. Step up and demonstrate that you are an industry that respects people, animals and the planet.”
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.