BASF initiates force majeure for selected vitamins, carotenoids and aroma ingredients

08 Aug 2024 --- Due to a fire at BASF Nutrition & Health’s German-based plant last month, the company has declared Force Majeure on deliveries of selected vitamin A, vitamin E, carotenoid products and aroma ingredients, with immediate effect and until further notice. It does so on behalf of its affected affiliates as well.

The selected aroma ingredients are ionones, pyranol, DL-menthol, rose oxides, ethyl linalool, nerolidol and isophytol R. The company reports that it is in close contact with customers to share updates and developments regarding the supply capability of the affected products. Nutrition Insight will continue to monitor this developing story.

BASF Nutrition & Health has production sites in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific.

Repair work and inspections
The fire damaged the plant, causing a shutdown and a supply disruption. The space is being cleaned and repaired, and inspections are being performed. On the evening of the incident, July 29, all employees who sustained minor injuries left the Medical Center. 

BASF’s environmental monitoring vehicles assessed the site, inside and outside, and did not detect any product residues. The air, water and soil were not contaminated. 

In 2023, BASF generated sales of €68.9 billion (US$75.4 billion). BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the US. In 2022, BASF increased the pricing of its vitamin E products by 20% globally. The price increase resulted from a significantly higher energy, raw material and logistics expenses.