NutryFarm quashes rumour that packaging on durians imported from Thailand to China carry coronavirus

NUTRYFARM International on Tuesday quashed as false a rumour circulating online which claimed that the Covid-19 virus has been detected on the packaging of durians imported from Thailand to China.

Based on findings and reporting by the Chinese state media, there is "no such incident, and such online articles are inaccurate and misleading", the mainboard-listed company said in a bourse filing on Tuesday night, disputing the claim.

The group noted that its business operations are functioning normally, as it continues to export fresh durians from Thailand to China.

It explained that since fresh durians are fresh agricultural products, they are subjected to strict food safety standards and customs importation guidelines from the Chinese authorities.

Since the start of the pandemic, China has implemented strict quarantine measures for imported Thai durian products. Before exporting to China, durian exporters must first submit certificates to Chinese customs authorities to show that they have good agricultural and manufacturing practices.

Next, they must apply for a Department of Agriculture certificate. Durians approved for export then receive a Department of Agriculture serial number to facilitate source tracing in the event of contamination.

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The company is planning to capitalise on China's demand for durians, and eventually create an international platform where fresh produce can be sold and traded, chief executive Cheng Meng told The Business Times in an earlier interview in July. The king of fruits could be the company's calling card into the global agricultural arena, Mr Cheng said then.

Since the Covid-19 outbreak, the group has instituted safe management measures in its work processes to further limit the risks of transmission.

"While continuing our vigilant efforts against Covid-19, we will continue to fulfil the current order book on hand and we aim to secure new orders from existing and new customers," Mr Cheng said.

Shares of NutryFarm closed at S$0.37 on Tuesday, down two Singapore cents or 5.1 per cent.

READ MORE: NutryFarm is betting on Asia's love affair with durians