MICHIGAN - People across the United States have reported receiving unsolicited packages from China containing seeds.

The packages these seeds are sent in are white, display Chinese lettering, and also display the words “China Post”. Most of the people who reported getting a package say that they did not order anything. They also said that the package was labeled as jewelry. Some of the recipients of the packages did report ordering seeds on Amazon and ended up receiving these seeds.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is warning residents to not plant any of these seeds. MDARD’s State Plant Regulatory Official, Robin Rosenbaum, discussed just how harmful these seeds can be to our ecosystems.

“While the seeds are not expected to be harmful to humans or pets,” Rosenbaum said. “They could contain an invasive species or accidentally introduce a pest or disease that could pose a serious risk to agriculture or the environment.”

The MDARD is also asking residents who received the seeds to not throw them or the packages they came in away. They also ask to not dispose of the packages or seeds in any way.

The seeds are estimated to be part of what is called a “Brushing” scam. This is when a vendor will ship an inexpensive product to an unwitting receiver. They then submit positive reviews on the receiver’s behalf posing as a verified owner. They do this in order to bolster product ratings and increase online visibility.

MDARD Communications Director, Jennifer Holton, explained that it is important for people who have received the package to report it to the correct agency.

“I know some people have gotten very frustrated because they’re trying to report it to an agency, but they’re going to the wrong ones,” she said. “So, they need to report it obviously either to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development or to the United States Department of Agriculture.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service’s Plant Protection and Quarantine Smuggling, Interdiction, and Trade Compliance Unit is currently investigating this situation nationwide. Anyone who receives an unsolicited package from China containing seeds is asked to not open the seeds or plant them and to report it to the correct agency. If any of the packets are already open, then place all of the material including the packaging, into a sealed bag. The MDARD asks that recipients fill out a brief questionnaire that can be found on their website and on their Facebook page. Then they should mail the seeds, packaging, and questionnaire to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service. Their address is available on MDARD’s website.

If the seeds are already planted or if a recipient is unable or unwilling to mail the seeds and packaging, they can contact the USDA State Plant Health Director, Craig Kellogg, at 734-942-9005 for guidance. He can also be reached via email at craig.kellogg@usda.gov.