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Coca Cola has stopped production in Europe due to the shortage of carbon dioxide (CO2). Meat processing companies and breweries have also indicated plans to either shut down and cut down production drastically due to the shortage.
Food grade CO2 is used to carbonate drinks and preserve some packed fresh foods. The gas is used by meat producers to stun birds and pigs as part of the slaughter process, and to package fresh meat to extend its shelf life. It is also what gives some drinks their “fizz” and is used in draft beer pumps.
The shortage is caused by a seasonal maintenance exercise embarked upon by the major co2 factories in Europe.
Trade journal Gas World said the shortage had been described as the “worst supply situation to hit the European carbon dioxide (CO2) business in decades”.
It was gathered that co2 companies have adopted the “fair allocation” policy in order to prioritise customers with welfare and safety requirements.