Cargill has decided to donate 100,000l of disinfecting alcohol to Belgium to support the production of disinfectant hand gel to contain the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19).

The donation will address the shortage of disinfecting gel for the emergency services including the fire brigade, police, emergency centres and the Civil Protection.

As one of the largest alcohol producers in Europe, Cargill donated the alcohol to the government as part of its Civil Defense initiative.

Cargill Global Food Business CFO Cis Van Doninck said: “Cargill delivers an essential service to the world, providing the ingredients, feed and food that nourish people and animals.

“We are working around the clock with farmers and our customers to feed the world safely and responsibly during this unprecedented time.

“Our eight Belgian plants are operating at full speed, and we are so grateful that every day our employees continue to produce the food people and animals need during this pandemic.”

In addition to the alcohol donation, Cargill has provided 2,200l of glycerol in Belgium. Production of the disinfecting alcohol is carried out at Cargill site in Sas van Gent in the Netherlands.

Cargill noted that the outbreak of the viral infection has increased the demand for disinfecting alcohol.

Last month, Bacardi announced that it will be producing more than 1.1 million litres of alcohol, essential for making hand sanitisers.

The spirits producer announced that its eight manufacturing facilities located in the US, Mexico, France, England, Italy and Scotland will support the production of hand sanitisers.

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