Recently, a Chinese market in Ganzhou, which sits in the east of China, announced that they detected Covid on the surface of durian packages that came from Thailand, says the Office of Agricultural Affairs under the Thai Embassy in Beijing.
The OAA says they found the virus at the Haudongcheng market late last week. Further, everyone who has handled the durian packages has tested negative for Covid and are currently under quarantine.
The durian packages have also been stored for safety. It was not immediately clear whose safety was being protected, the safety of the customers or the safety of the fruit. Other fruits and “related areas” in the market have been sterilised.
The Office of Agricultural Affairs says they have discussed the issue with China’s General Administration of Customs. Officials say they will not stop importing products from their Thai supplier, as the Covid was detected in a local area and not at the checkpoint.
The news of the durian packages and their Covid companion was shared on social media. It was not stated whether the news was shared predominantly on Thai social media or Chinese social media.
Durian, a divisive fruit owing to its sometimes “strong” odour, last caused trouble when a large collection of the fruit got a truck wedged under an overpass.
Durian is a tropical fruit distinguished by its large size and spiky, hard outer shell. It has a smelly, custard-like flesh with large seeds.
There are several varieties, but the most common one is Durio zibethinus.The fruit’s flesh can range in color. It’s most commonly yellow or white, but can also be red or green.
Durian grows in tropical regions around the world, particularly in the Southeast Asian countries of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailan
Durian is used in sweet and savory dishes. Both the creamy flesh and seeds are edible, though the seeds need to be cooked. It’s also used in traditional medicine and has some medicinal properties that are currently being studied.