Mystery Seeds From China Showing Up in U.S. Mailboxes
The USDA and agriculture officials across the U.S. have issued warnings about unsolicited shipments of foreign seeds and advised people not to plant them. Officials are concerned the mystery seeds, which appear to have originated in China, could be invasive plant species.
It has been confirmed that residents in all 50 states have now reported receiving suspicious packages of seeds.
"USDA is aware that people across the country have received suspicious, unsolicited packages of seed that appear to be coming from China," the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) said this week according to a CBS News report.
Federal and state investigators, including Customs and Border Protection, are lookin g into these mailings.
"Please don't plant any seeds from unknown origins!" the agency announced this week.
The USDA has urged anyone who receives an unsolicited seed package to contact the USDA or state Department of Agriculture immediately. You are advised to hold onto the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label, until someone from your State Department of Agriculture contacts you with further instructions. Do not plant the seeds.