Although Defra has not confirmed the final content of the guidance, the SAGB said it expects conscious boiling, freezing, chilling or ice baths prior to cooking to be ruled incompatible with WATOK.
The association believes the only acceptable methods likely to be recommended will be electric stunning to render animals insensible before cooking, or mechanical killing prior to cooking. This would include double spiking of crabs and full-length body splitting of lobster-type crustaceans, including langoustines and crawfish.
The SAGB also expects the guidance to apply only to onshore dispatch of larger crustaceans, rather than to prawns or shrimps.
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International Context Highlights UK Divergence
The statement placed the UK approach in an international context, noting that only a small number of countries have formal crustacean welfare regulations. These include nationwide controls in New Zealand, Switzerland, Austria and Norway, alongside limited regional rules in parts of Italy, Australia and Canada.
By contrast, the SAGB said neither the United States nor the European Union recognises crustaceans as animals under their animal welfare legislation, meaning there are no equivalent controls on handling, dispatch or killing in most EU states.
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Impact Expected On Small Businesses And Hospitality
The SAGB stressed that most large UK processors already use electronic stunning equipment prior to cooking and processing, and that major retailers have not sold live crustaceans for many years.
As a result, the association warned that the primary impact of Defra’s guidance is likely to fall on small-scale fishmongers and the hospitality and catering sector, rather than on industrial processors.
The SAGB said it had been heavily involved in engagement with Defra during the development of the guidance, but expressed concern that its core objectives were set in advance. It also said it had pushed Defra to carry out an impact assessment on the financial consequences for the fishing industry, which has been completed on a de minimis basis but has yet to be published.
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Support And Equipment Discounts Offered
In its statement, the SAGB confirmed it remains available to provide advice, help and support to members affected by the changes. It also said it has negotiated significant discounts on stunning equipment for its members, anticipating increased demand once the guidance is issued.
The association said the information statement will be updated once Defra publishes its final guidance, leaving the fishing community waiting to see how strictly existing law will be enforced in practice.