Over the past week agriculture departments all over the U.S. have been warning residents about packages being sent from China containing seeds. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has gotten reports from residents in the state. In fact, there are now reports of the mystery seeds being sent to households in all 50 states.
DATCP warns that any foreign seeds that are shipped to the U.S. are supposed to have a phytosanitary certificate, which means the seeds pass the import requirements. The worry is that the seeds could be an invasive species or could hurt livestock. This is why ag departments are telling people who have gotten a package to keep the seeds in the original packaging with the label. They would also like anyone who has one of these packages to report the seeds with this form.
That’s not the only strange part. DATCP posted on Facebook saying that they’ve gotten reports of packages containing other strange items as well. “We have begun to receive reports of unsolicited packages that contain other small items that are NOT seeds (masks, nail clippers, a piece of jewelry, etc.). If you’ve received one of these packages, please do not do anything with the package, and contact DATCP’s Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 422-7128 or DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov to file a complaint.”
Once again, if you’ve received one of the packages, please fill out this form and you’ll be contacted after. All the information given is passed on to Wisconsin plant health officials.
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