Anyone who receives a foreign package with seeds is asked to not open it. They should keep the contents sealed in the original package and contact the TDA.
TYLER, Texas — Editor’s Note: The above video aired in 2020.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is warning Texans to be careful of mysterious packages that have unknown seeds or liquids inside.
The Texas Department of Agriculture was recently made aware of a package with unidentified seeds and a liquid container in Clute. That package had come from China unsolicited.
“Folks, please take this matter seriously,” Miller said. “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.”
The TDA sent that package from China off to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service division for thorough identification and testing. Miller said his agency will give more information as it becomes available.
Miller noted in his statement that United States Postal Service stopped the acceptance of packages from China, but that order has since been rescinded. Now, Miller is encouraging people to stay alert for any unsolicited packages in the mail.
Anyone who receives a foreign package with seeds is asked to not open it. They should keep the contents sealed in the original package and contact the TDA toll-free at (800) TELL-TDA.
Back in 2020, an East Texas woman received one of these mysterious packages. Patricia Galloway said she originally thought the package was the shipments of rose seeds she had ordered through Amazon.
Her natural curiosity led her to open the packages she received, believing there may be jewelry inside. But instead, she found seeds that she opened and planted in pots.
However, this is something that experts and state officials warn against.
Dr. Kevin Ong, a professor and plant pathologist at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, said those who these unsolicited packages should not open them, not plant the seeds, and not throw them in the trash.