Shrimp are among the most popular seafood choices worldwide. However, many people are unaware of how these animals are farmed for food and the challenges that can arise in the process. At Lidl, we provide insight into these practices and work closely with our standard-setting partners to define measurable actions aimed at improving animal welfare in farmed shrimp production.
In the fish and seafood segment, approximately 90% of our core range products and 60% of our promotional items are certified according to third-party standards, including MSC, ASC, GLOBALG.A.P., BAP 4-star, or Organic. This includes our shrimp products. Through contractual agreements, we verify compliance with binding environmental requirements and audit minimum social standards for local workers.
Since January 2026, eyestalk ablation has been completely eliminated from 100 percent of the farmed shrimp supply chains within our internationally negotiated permanent private-label assortment. This and similar practices used to alter reproduction or increase egg production do not align with our definition of animal welfare. The aquaculture certifications we accept (EU Organic, ASC, GLOBALG.A.P., and BAP 4-Star) either already prohibit this practice or require it to be phased out by 2031 at the latest. By aligning with these standards, we are committing to a transition.
