The public has been advised to remain cautious following the distribution of mysterious seed packages sent from China to numerous homes across the United States.
Individuals who receive these unexpected parcels, which often contain unusual seeds in clear packets labeled with Chinese characters, are warned against planting or opening them.
The Texas Department of Agriculture has gathered over 1,000 of these seed packets in the past 11 months, following reports from residents in 106 locations throughout Texas who received these unsolicited shipments.
Experts have raised concerns that planting these seeds could threaten the agriculture industry by introducing invasive plant species. Despite the biosecurity risks these seeds pose, the intention behind their dispatch might not be related to agriculture.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller stated: “At a glance, this might seem like a small problem, but this is serious business.
“The possible introduction of an invasive species to the state via these seeds poses real risks to Texas families and the agriculture industry. We need everyone to report these packages when they arrive so the contents may be gathered and disposed of properly.”
The situation first drew attention in February 2025, when a man in Clute received a package containing unidentifiable seeds and a liquid, prompting officials to caution the public against opening unexpected parcels.
Investigations soon revealed a surge in similar incidents across the country, notably in Ohio, Alabama, and New Mexico.
Authorities now believe these packages are linked to a known review scam called brushing, rather than an act of bioterrorism.
The brushing scam involves sending inexpensive items, such as seeds, to numerous random addresses. This allows the sender to generate fake reviews using the recipients’ names to enhance their online rankings.
However, the potential spread of invasive weeds or pests through these seeds remains a concern, leading agriculture officials to advise against opening the parcels.
Commissioner Miller emphasized the threat by stating: “One invasive species, pest, or pathogen could devastate Texas farms, ranches, natural resources, and food supply. We cannot gamble with Texas agriculture. Unsolicited seeds coming into our country are a risk to American agriculture, our environment, and public safety.”
Residents who receive these unsolicited seed packages are encouraged to report them to their local department of agriculture for further instructions.
This situation raises questions about the ability of customs officials to detect and intercept foreign plant matter entering the country.
In a conversation with News 4 San Antonio, the commissioner remarked: “We’ve got a flaw in our security system. These things are coming direct ship. Customs is not picking this up.
“Some of these seeds have been invasive species, noxious weeds that we don’t want to get started in our agriculture crops. It could ruin agriculture production.”
The Texas Department of Agriculture is collaborating with federal partners to manage the collection, testing, and safe disposal of all unsolicited seed packages.