Mystery seed packets are back, according to Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. Miller says that the Texas Department of Agriculture recently was alerted to a mystery package containing unidentified seeds and a liquid container sent unsolicited from China. The package was sent to Clute, Texas, south of Houston.
The TDA forwarded the package and its contents to USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) division for thorough identification and testing. "Folks, please take this matter seriously. Receiving any unsolicited liquid or chemical at your doorstep poses a significant risk to the health of you and your family. We also cannot allow unidentified seeds to enter Texas. If planted, invasive plant species will substantially harm the Texas agriculture industry. The TDA will work diligently to identify these unknown seeds and liquids to protect Texas residents," said Commissioner Miller.
Mystery seed packets from China showed up in 2020, with Miller warning about them being mailed to multiple states and falsely labeled as jewelry or toys. The packages popped up in more than 30 states, including Texas. Agriculture experts voiced concerns about the seeds, in particular about them being for invasive plant species.
Commissioner Miller says consumers should stay alert for any incoming unsolicited packages. If you receive a foreign package containing seeds, officials say do not open it. Instead, keep the contents sealed in their original packaging, and immediately contact authorities.
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