AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS — Cargill is working to donate 60,000 liters of disinfecting alcohol to the health sector in the Netherlands.  Through the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) this will be distributed to hospitals and other health care institutions in the Netherlands, where a shortage has arisen as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

“This enables us to ensure the availability of surface disinfection,” said Niels Maijers, coordinator of the National Corona Taskforce on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.

Cargill decided to help with the COVID-19 crisis by utilizing its alcohol production in Europe. The company will make its first donation of 60,000 liters to the Dutch government.  This disinfecting alcohol is produced by its employees at Cargill’s Sas van Gent plant in Zeeland, Amsterdam.

“Cargill not only supplies essential food ingredients for humans and animals, but also alcohol for the drink and health industry,” said Alain Dufait, managing director of Cargill Europe. “Our people are working around the clock to keep our factories operating at full capacity across Europe.  It’s no easy task because at the same time, we’re also strengthening our hygiene measures so that our people can do their jobs safely.

“We take our responsibility to continue to supply the food and health industry very seriously.  In addition, we want to do our bit to help the government to optimally support and care for all sick patients.  This will also enable medical staff to work more safely.”

Cargill is not certain of the demand for the disinfecting alcohol but remains committed to monitoring the situation in order to expand deliveries where necessary.

“We are also currently investigating how we can support the authorities in other European countries — such as Italy, Belgium and Germany — from our European factory network,” Dufait said. “In the meantime, a global network has been set up within Cargill to supply the production companies with the necessary protective clothing and hygiene products so that our people can continue to work safely.”

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