Alabama and Florida Residents Report Receiving Mysterious Seed Packets from China

• Several residents from Alabama and Florida have reported about receiving seed packets from China in their mailboxes.
• Authorities from the two states have since issued warnings about these mysterious packages, saying it could be potentially dangerous.
• Recipients of the unsolicited packets are encouraged to report to authorities as soon as possible.

Authorities in Alabama and Florida have both issued a warning about strange reports they’ve gathered from several residents. According to officials, people have been receiving packets of seeds via mail – which is sent from China.

In a Facebook post by the official Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries page, we read that the agency has “received multiple reports of ‘unsolicited’ China origin seeds being delivered to residents across the state through the United States Postal Service.”

Residents from the two states said that in most cases, the packages have been labeled as “jewelry.”

They also added that they actually did not order seeds from any sellers.

Meanwhile, the website of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services also shared a warning about the mysterious seeds, saying it could be potentially dangerous.

As the statement said:

“The introduction of plant seeds into the United States is tightly regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Seeds of unknown origin may constitute agricultural smuggling, may be invasive, may introduce pathogens, toxins, or plant and animal diseases, may pose a risk of food-borne illness, and may pose a threat to plant, animal, and human health.”

Watch this video report to learn more:

Commissioner Nikki Fried of Florida Agriculture said that residents who receive these seed packets should not open or plant them.

Recipients are also encouraged to immediately report the matter to authorities via the FDACS Division of Plant Industry at 1-888-397-1517 or DPIhelpline@FDACS.gov or via USDA APHIS Anti-Smuggling Hotline at 1-800-877-3835 or SITC.Mail@aphis.usda.gov.