The Chinese Government has reportedly suspended pork imports from a pork plant operated by Brazilian firm Aurora Alimentos over coronavirus (Covid-19) concerns.

Reuters reported that the Brazilian Agriculture Ministry confirmed that the Chinese customs authorities have imposed a ban on pork imports from the plant.

The ministry also said that China has ‘requested information about Covid-19 cases at the plant’.

The Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) has announced its support to Aurora Alimentos and is providing information to the Brazilian Agriculture Ministry, which could help Chinese authorities to reverse the ban.

In a statement, ABPA said: “This is an isolated event in the past. All information and demonstrations of Aurora’s good practices have been shared in detail with Chinese authorities.”

ABPA further added that Aurora Alimentos has enforced strict Covid-19 protocols at its facility.

China recently increased checks on the food imports after its officials identified coronavirus on imported cold-chain products and packaging.

Chinese importers and traders have also urged factories to disinfect cargo before shipping.

Last November, China’s Xinfadi market reportedly suspended the sale and storage of chilled and frozen meat and seafood products after reports of new Covid-19 infections.

Located in Beijing, Xinfadi is China’s largest seafood market and was at the centre of a Covid-19 outbreak in June.

The frozen and fresh products in the food market were disposed of and more than a hundred cold storage units shut down their power after the completion of the disinfection process.