Mysterious seeds from China appear in mailboxes in US, govt issues warning

People across the US have received unsolicited packages containing seeds from China. Officials have issued warnings on these seeds and instructed recipients not to plant them

People who find seeds in the mail should keep the entire package, including the mailing label, and contact regional offices of the relevant government agency, where an inspector will give further instructions.

The officials are testing the seeds to evaluate their content and determine if they pose a risk to agriculture or the environment.

US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), tweeted saying, “ #APHIS is working closely with @CBP and State Depts of Ag re: unrequested seeds. If received, pls contact State Dept of Ag or the #APHIS State Plant Health Office. Keep packaging and do not plant seeds from an unknown origin!”

Several state agricultural agencies are also issuing warnings, and posting pictures of suspicious packages on social media