U.S. Officials Investigating Suspicious Seed Packets

Clint Thompson Alabama, Florida, Georgia

Photo from Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shows packet of unsolicited seeds.

Consumers, not only here in the U.S. but also across Canada, Australia and the EU, have received unsolicited seed packets from China. While U.S. officials continue their investigation, Osama El-Lissy with the plant protection program of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), says that as of Wednesday evening, there was no evidence of the seed packets being anything but a so-called “brushing” scam.

El-Lissy says the unsolicited seed packets have contained several plant species.

But if you receive these seed packets in the mail, do not plant the seeds, and if they are in a sealed package, do not open the package. Also, do not dispose of the seeds. Report these suspicious seed deliveries to APHIS and maintain the seeds and packaging until USDA provides further instructions.

Call 1-800-877-3835 or email to SITC.Mail@aphis.usda.gov. For more details visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/import-information/sa_sitc/ct_antismuggling.

UPDATE:

The Georgia Department of Agriculture Seed Lab in Tifton, Georgia has identified some of the seed. They include:

Gourd

Zinnia

Melon

Brassica

Lettuce

Honeydew

Cucumber

Pumpkin

Zucchini

Eggplant

Tomato

Melon

Chinese Red Amaranth

Onion

Spinach

Spearmint

Roses

Morningglory

Wild Flowers

Pine Seed

Squash

Clematis flower seed

Purple Sweet Potato

Beets

Peppers

Poppy

Clover