Mystery Seeds from China? Proceed With Caution.
July 28, 2020 Have you received a suspicious-looking package filled with seeds lately? Chances are it’s not from Burpee’s or another reputable seed business.
USDA is aware that people at random across the country have been receiving unsolicited parcels of seed that appear to be coming from China. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is working closely with the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection, other federal agencies, and state departments of agriculture to investigate the situation.
If you receive an unsolicited package containing seeds:
- Do not open the packets and handle the seeds.
- Immediately contact your State plant regulatory official or APHIS State plant health director.
- Hold onto the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label, until someone from your state department of agriculture or APHIS contacts you with further instructions.
- DO NOT PLANT THE SEEDS OR THROW THEM AWAY. Seeds of unknown origin may constitute agricultural smuggling, could be invasive, and might introduce pathogens, toxins or plant and animal diseases that may pose a threat to plant, animal and human health.
State agricultural officials in at least 30 states are alerting the public about this situation.
At this time, USDA officials say they don’t have any evidence indicating this is something other than a “brushing scam” where people receive unsolicited items from a seller who then posts false customer reviews to boost sales. There are plenty of other conspiracy theories starting to germinate.
USDA is currently collecting seed packages from recipients and will test the contents and determine if they contain anything that could be of concern to U.S. agriculture or the environment.
If you have questions, contact the APHIS Smuggling Interdiction and Trade Compliance (SITC) program by phone at 800-877-3835, by email SITC.Mail@aphis.usda.gov, or via their website.
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