grueling conditions in Indian shrimp industry that report calls ‘dangerous and abusive’

An investigative report by the Associated Press, conducted in Andhra Pradesh, India, and released by the Chicago-based Corporate Accountability Lab, exposes the harsh and abusive working conditions within the Indian shrimp industry, the leading supplier of shrimp to the U.S. 40% of shrimp consumed in the U.S. comes from India. The report reveals the dangerous and unsanitary conditions faced by workers, primarily women, who endure long hours peeling shrimp for $3 per day under conditions that include exposure to harmful chemicals and inadequate protective gear. The industry’s rapid expansion has also led to significant environmental degradation, with shrimp farms contaminating local water and soil, making agriculture increasingly difficult. Despite these abuses, major U.S. retailers continue to stock Indian shrimp, with the implicated corporations asserting commitments to investigate the allegations. The report highlights the disconnect between the industry’s harsh realities and the certifications that suggest compliance with labor and environmental standards. The investigation calls for better enforcement of existing laws by both Indian and U.S. governments, along with a commitment from U.S. companies to ensure their supply chains are free from unethical practices.

Source: AP News