10-02-2025
Texas officials warn of mystery seed packages arriving from China
(NewsNation) — Texas officials are warning residents to be cautious of unsolicited packages from China after reports of mail containing liquids and mystery seeds across the state.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said the agency is collecting these packages for review by the USDA's Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Miller shared an example in which a Texan ordered a dog toy from Chinese vendor Temu but received a package of seeds instead.
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Five packages have been reported in Texas, and Miller urges residents to be cautious with any unexpected mail from China.
One package, delivered to Clute, Texas, contained sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) seeds and an unlabeled nutrient solution. This aquatic plant is considered invasive and is potentially harmful to local crops, plants and livestock.
'It's clear there's a trend here, and Americans nationwide need to stay vigilant,' Miller said. 'The importance of biosecurity for our country shouldn't be overlooked. We heard back from APHIS; sure enough, the first reported package included an invasive plant species. We need everyone's support to report these unsolicited packages from China.'
The inspection service will work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to track similar packages. Any contents will be destroyed through steam sterilization at no cost to recipients.
If you receive a foreign package with seeds, keep it sealed in its original packaging and immediately call the Texas Department of Agriculture at (800) TELL-TDA.
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