Texas Warns of New Mystery Seed Packages

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has issued a warning to residents following the receipt of unsolicited packages from China containing unidentified seeds and liquids, which have reappeared in Clute, Texas. These packages, reminiscent of those sent in 2020, pose potential threats to health and agriculture, as the contents could be invasive species harmful to Texas agriculture. Residents are advised not to open these packages and to report them to the Texas Department of Agriculture. The packages have been forwarded to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for identification and testing. In 2020, similar packages were part of a 'brushing scam' involving items falsely labeled as jewelry or toys, and officials have reiterated the importance of not planting seeds from unknown sources.