US Warns Citizens About Suspicious China-Linked Seed Packages

January 7, 2026

The United States government has warned citizens especially in Texas and other state to remain alert for unsolicited packages containing unidentified seeds that appear to originate from China. These mysterious deliveries have raised concerns over potential threats to agricultural biosecurity and public safety.

Officials emphasize that the packages have not been requested by recipients and continue to show up unexpectedly, prompting authorities to urge vigilance and caution.

Texas Reports Hundreds of Unsolicited Seed Packages

According to the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), broader reports show that over 1,100 seed packages have been collected at 109 different locations across Texas since February 2025, prompting repeated warnings from state officials.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller described the situation as a serious issue for agricultural security and encouraged recipients to immediately report and not open or plant these packages.

Seeds Not Limited to Texas

Authorities have found similar unsolicited seed seed packages in other US states such as Ohio, New Mexico and Alabama, indicating that this is a nationwide phenomenon and not restricted to a single region.

The contents and origins of these seed packets are still being examined, and officials warn that planting unknown seeds could introduce invasive species or biological threats to local ecosystems.

Risks and Public Advisory

Experts say unidentified seed packets pose an agricultural threat because they could carry invasive plant species, pests, or diseases that may harm local crops, ecosystems, or biodiversity if planted or mishandled.

The USDA and state agriculture departments have advised people not to open or plant such seed packets and to fasten the original packaging and mailing information for proper examination and disposal by authorities.

Possible “Brushing Scam” Link

Some analysts suggest that these unsolicited seeds might be related to a “brushing scam”, where sellers send inexpensive goods to random addresses to generate fake positive reviews online. However, officials continue to investigate whether there is any malicious intent or purely fraudulent marketing motive behind the deliveries.