German Shrimp Love Fuels Animal Welfare Concerns in Farms
German consumers' love for shrimp is evident, with an annual consumption of 2.5 billion. However, animal welfare groups have raised concerns about the treatment of these crustaceans in farms across India, Indonesia, and Guatemala. A key issue is the practice of removing shrimp eye stalks while they are still alive, a process criticized by consumers and animal welfare advocates.
Shrimp are often eyed to stimulate reproduction in these farms. Aldi and Rewe, two major German supermarkets, acknowledge the problem but have not yet implemented binding changes to their supply chains. Animal welfare organizations demand a ban on this practice and a guarantee of effective electrical stunning, a humane solution. Currently, shrimp are typically placed alive in ice water before processing, causing a slow, painful death. This method is not reliable, as shrimp and other crustaceans are sentient beings.
With Germans consuming approximately four times the number of shrimp as chickens annually, the demand is significant. However, the current practices in shrimp farming and processing raise serious animal welfare concerns. Aldi and Rewe, along with other major supermarkets like Rewe, need to address these issues and ensure their supply chains align with modern animal welfare standards.
