We recently reported that dry ice was quickly become one of the latest heroes in the fight against coronavirus. Also preparing to don a cape on top of its PPE is Smithfield Foods, which has reportedly offered to help U.S. Health officials distribute COVID-19 vaccines and store them in ultra-cold freezers that are in high demand.
Pfizer's vaccine must be stored at -112 degrees Fahrenheit, which is prompting a rush on dry ice and cold storage. According to a report, U.S. states, cities and hospitals are scrambling to buy freezers that can safely store Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. Meanwhile Moderna, who also is developing a vaccine can be stored at -20 Celsius. According to the report, Smithfield, which is owned by China’s WH Group, has multiple “ultra-cold” freezers and is said to be working with local authorities to provide assistance as needed.
"As it becomes more clear that successful vaccines will become available, we have communicated our capabilities and continued willingness to partner with health officials, including with vaccine distribution and storage," said Keira Lombardo, Chief Administrative Officer.
"We do expect that, working with our health agency partners, we can facilitate the rapid distribution of the vaccine to food and agricultural workers. We stand ready as well to assist, as possible, with distribution to workers in other essential categories. Additionally, we have assessed our ultra-low freezer capabilities and capacity and are ready and willing to assist health agencies if storage capacity becomes constrained."
