This crunchy food also provides a powerful nutritional punch, giving you a ⦠Officials worry they could be invasive species or worse. Besides the concerns the seeds could be dangerous, thereâs another theory. Officials in several states, including Texas, are warning residents to not plant or handle unsolicited seeds sent from China. Somebody knows enough about you to create a profile online adn use you to manipulate systems.”. By Harmeet Kaur and Rebekah Riess, CNN. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has identified some of the plant species in bags of unsolicited seeds arriving in mailboxes across the United States. CBS News confirmed that residents in all 50 states have reported receiving the suspicious packages of seeds. Hinds County Receiving 'Dangerous' Seeds From China, Could Spread Diseases Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson asked residents to report receipt of unsolicited seeds. U.S. warns against planting unsolicited seeds from China By Tom Polansek 3 days ago. Although the species identified so far are harmless, plant experts have warned that seeds from other parts of the world could damage crops. The Texas Department of Agriculture wants to send the seeds to a lab for testing. Commissioner Miller says it could also be a fake product review scam called brushing. Alabama Department of Agriculture Show More Show Less 2 ⦠... and invasive species or carry a dangerous disease. Mystery seeds from China reach East Texas as experts warn of potential dangers The mystery of the unknown Chinese seeds grows deeper every … So far, however, the species appear to be innocuous. At least 14 of the seed species had been identified as of July 29, according to Deputy Administrator Osama El-Lissy of the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The seeds are of ⦠Taking steps to prevent their introduction is the most effective method of reducing both the risk of invasive species infestations and the cost to control and mitigate those infestations.". MESQUITE, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) – Mysterious seeds from China are popping up in mailboxes across Texas and the country. "It could be a bacteria. If you receive one of these packages, do not open the seeds and do not throw them away. Hundreds of unsolicited seeds from China may be more dangerous than they seem. But since the news of toxic chemicals in apple juice has come to light, the import level has dropped significantly. People across the country, including dozens of Hoosiers, have received mystery seeds from China. 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The U.S. Department of Agriculture has identified the unsolicited seeds people across the country have apparently been receiving from China. National Farmers Union Scotland warn of unsolicited seeds sent from China and Singapore The seeds are part of a likely scam the union says. / CBS News. Report unsolicited seed packages to SITC.Mail@aphis.usda.gov. People across the country have reported receiving unsolicited packages of seeds in the mail that appear to be sent from China. It could be another virus, some kind of invasive species," Miller told CBS Dallas-Fort Worth. “If brushing is happening and your identity has been used, your identity has been compromised. If someone receives unsolicited, foreign seeds in the mail, do not open or plant them. “This one is a ziplock baggie with no label and no instructions on it,” said Sabrina Miranda. Hundreds of unsolicited seeds from China may be more dangerous than they seem. Tuesday, July 28, 2020 HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Texas Agriculture Commissioner is warning Texans to use "extreme caution" when receiving unsolicited packets of seeds from China. We've all read or heard for years about all the "stuff" American companies are importing from China. Images tweeted by the Maryland Department of Agriculture show packets of unidentified seeds received in the mail, unsolicited, by state residents, apparently from China. The Daily Mail uses this headline: Hundreds of British gardeners 'receive unsolicited deliveries of garden seeds sent from China marked as ear studs': New pests and diseases could result from these unwanted seeds in the UK. In fact, imported apples from China accounted for two-thirds of the U.S. apple juice supply. They includes mustard, cabbage and morning glory as well as herbs like mint, sage, rosemary and lavender. State and federal authorities both put out news releases on Tuesday warning Bay Staters that it appears that "suspicious, unsolicited packages of seed" from China … Most of us realize that's a ⦠Scammers go online and find real people with real addresses. Pumpkin seeds from China? On July 17, the Daily Mail reported that … The USDA continues to investigate. The seeds are of … Tuesday, 11th August 2020, 12:30 pm. August 4, 2020 / 6:55 AM Gardeners warned that seeds sent from China are âbiosecurity riskâ Unsolicited seed packages are thought to be part of an e-commerce scam By ⦠The U.S. Department of Agriculture has identified some of the plant species in bags of unsolicited seeds arriving in mailboxes across the … Then they use your information to post fake reviews to boost their sales. The USDA is collecting seed packages to test and determine whether they could be dangerous. U.S. government expects first COVID-19 vaccine shipments will arrive Monday, Trump lashes out at Supreme Court after Texas lawsuit rejected, Florida basketball player hospitalized after collapsing on court, FDA chief says he will "absolutely" take COVID-19 vaccine, Iran executes journalist Ruhollah Zam over his online work, Trump loses Wisconsin case while arguing another one, Lil Wayne pleads guilty to federal gun charge, Mayor slams U.S. I haven't had it in my hands yet, but it sounds an awful lot like a seed treatment," she said. The Daily Mail uses this headline: Hundreds of British gardeners 'receive unsolicited deliveries of garden seeds sent from China marked as ear studs': New pests and diseases could result from these unwanted seeds in the UK. The I-Team is hearing reports of other products- including N95 masks- being shipped to unsuspecting residents. Gardeners warned that seeds sent from China are ‘biosecurity risk’ Unsolicited seed packages are thought to be part of an e-commerce scam By … Amateur gardeners beware: Officials in at least 27 states are warning the public about unsolicited seeds sent from China and appearing in mailboxes across the … ... and invasive species or carry a dangerous disease. Officials have warned the shipments of mystery seeds, which appear to have originated in China, could be invasive plant species. ... dangerous⦠“This one is a ziplock baggie with no label and no instructions on it,” said Sabrina Miranda. Phylissia Clark is the Vice President of Public Relations and Communications with the Better Business Bureau. Declan Leary Copyright © 2020 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. They mail an actual product. As CBS 2âs Jermont Terry reported, it is highly dangerous to plant those seeds. (courtesy: Washington State Department of Agriculture). Seeds Are Also Being Sent to People in Britain. The seeds typically arrive in white packages displaying Chinese lettering and the words "China Post." “It is a sealed bag and you have to tear it open and it has a label,” says Miranda describing the second small clear bag with black seeds inside. Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller urged people to be cautious. Horticulturalists have issued a warning after 'hundreds' of British gardeners received unsolicited deliveries of seeds thought to have been sent from China. In a scenario perhaps revolving around gems or germs, or bacteria or bling, packages of potentially dangerous seeds mislabeled as jewelry from China are mysteriously showing up in ⦠It's not just seedsâAmericans are receiving all kinds of unsolicited packages from China, containing items ranging from fake Ray-Ban sunglasses to a pair of used socks. ... introduce diseases to native plants and could be dangerous to livestock. USDA advice: What to do if you've received unsolicited seeds from China Some of the packages were labeled as jewelry and may have Chinese … He said hibiscus and roses were also found. People in nearly 30 states mailed unsolicited packets of seeds that may be from China, officials say. Here's What You Need to Know About the Dangers of Chia Seeds After one 39-year-old man swallowed a tablespoon of dry chia seeds and chased it … (By Evgeniya Stanevich/Shutterstock) July 31, 2020 | 12:01 am. Mysterious seed packets, possibly from China, arriving in Southern California mailboxes Authorities said shipments may be part of a scam designed to boost business for companies Why? The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industry is warning residents about unsolicited packages of seeds that originate from China. Declan Leary From New York to Washington state, a growing number of people have recently reported receiving unsolicited shipments of seeds -- that appear to have been sent from China. Horticulturalists have issued a warning after 'hundreds' of British gardeners received unsolicited deliveries of seeds thought to have been sent all the way from China. Posted: Jul 25, 2020 / 03:14 PM ⦠Hinds County is among 15 counties in the state where people reported receiving unsolicited seeds from China, Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson said yesterday. Some believe that apple seeds … Marshal for "uninformed" statement on shooting, FKA twigs sues Shia LaBeouf over alleged sexual assault, Biden, Harris introduce team who will "deliver immediate relief", Biden facing pressure to pick Rep. Deb Haaland as Interior Secretary, Biden to nominate Tai for trade rep and McDonough for veterans affairs, Second gentleman to teach entertainment law at Georgetown, Biden introduces his pick to lead Defense Department, NAACP calls on Biden to appoint a racial equity adviser, Biden to nominate Marcia Fudge to lead HUD, Biden vows to distribute 100 million vaccine doses within first 100 days. Agriculture officials in multiple states issued warnings Monday about unsolicited shipments of foreign seeds and advised people not to plant them. “I don’t want it to effect our environment and I really don’t want to be scammed,” says Miranda. "Brushing scams involving seed packets in international mail shipments are not uncommon," the USDA said. You may enjoy roasted pumpkin seeds for a snack, especially during the fall season. The tested seeds, which came with Chinese labels but were not confirmed to be from China, are for herbs, vegetables and flowers. Or Scam Against Texans And Others? "Somebody knows enough about you to create a profile online and use you to manipulate systems," Clark said. The BBB, the United States and Texas Departments of Agriculture, and Department of Homeland Security are all working with the China Postal Service to determine whether this is all part of a scam or something sinister. CHICAGO (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture is warning Americans not to plant unsolicited packages of seeds that appear to be arriving from China. MESQUITE, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) – Mysterious seeds from China are popping up in mailboxes across Texas and the country. It is the implication that GMO garden seeds are dangerous… and the fact China might sell them without labeling them GMO to endanger consumers. Mysterious Seeds From China Mailed to People Across the US By Dale Greenstein Nationwide UPDATED 5:07 AM ET Jul. Has anyone heard of this yet? And agriculture … China Asks U.S. To Return Mystery Seeds Shipped To Multiple States; USDA Warns of Dangers From Inconspicuous Chinese Seeds Received Unsolicited Officials in at least 27 states are urging residents to report any unsolicited packages of seeds that appear to have been sent from China, warning that they might be invasive or otherwise harmful. Apples have five seed pockets, with varying numbers of seeds in each pocket. First published on August 3, 2020 / 7:02 AM Marylanders should be on the lookout for suspicious packets of seeds from China after people across the country, including in Maryland, have gotten them unexpectedly, the ⦠One case study discussed a 39-year-old man who had a dangerous incident with chia seeds when he ate a tablespoon of dry seeds and then drank a glass of water. Why are seeds from China mysteriously showing up in thousands of people's mailboxes across the country? At this juncture it appears true that the mysterious mailings of seeds sent with return addresses in China are real, but the specific motive behind ⦠Updated 6:26 PM ET, Mon July 27, 2020 . By 2010, China was the worldâs major exporter of apple juice concentrate, with America as its largest customer. But selling seeds online is also an attractive legitimate business for merchants in Asia who can sell a $1.50 packet of seeds from China for roughly $10 on Amazon, according to the Journal. 1 of 2. States are warning people about suspicious packages of seeds that appear to be from China. There is something bothering me about this question. The U.S. isn’t the only country receiving mysterious seeds from China. “We need to take every precaution. Officials Investigate Mystery Seeds Sent By Mail Hundreds of people in the region have received seeds from China that they didn't order. Unsuspecting recipients have received them in more than 30 states. It could be a bacteria. Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller says they have been shipped to 100 to 200 Texans. Gipson said the indiscriminate disposal of the seeds packaged with shipping code from China could spread diseases to plants in the state and affect the agricultural industry. By Caitlyn Dewar. "U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has intercepted similar seed shipments in recent years. Robin Pruisner, a state seed control official at the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship in Iowa, told Reuters that she has heard reports of a coating of possible insecticide or fungicide on the seeds, which could prove especially harmful to crops. Warnings about unsolicited packages of seeds that appear to be coming from China have now extended to all 50 states. The seeds … First published on August 3, 2020 / 7:02 AM. Unopened packages and packages containing objects other than seeds should be reported immediately to the USDA Anti-Smuggling hotline at 1-800-877-3835 or by email at SITC.mail@aphis.usda.gov. 28, 2020 PUBLISHED 9:59 PM ET … ©2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. It could be another virus, some kind of invasive species,” says Miller. âOver the last five years, [chia seedsâ] use as a food product in the U.S. has been growing in popularity due to high protein, omega-3 fatty acid, and fiber content," write the researchers. Americans are reporting getting packages from China filled with mysterious seeds. Besides the concerns the seeds could be dangerous… Why are seeds from China mysteriously showing up in thousands of people's mailboxes across the country? Keep the contents sealed and report it to SITC.Mail@aphis.usda.gov or call 800-877-3835. Tons of people are receiving unmarked packs of seeds in the mail that they didn't order. ADAI said multiple reports have been made of ⦠Warnings about unsolicited packages of seeds that appear to be coming from China have now extended to all 50 states. By viewing our video content, you are accepting the terms of our. Not Just SeedsâAll Kinds of Mystery Packages Are Arriving From China USDA Warns of Dangers From Inconspicuous Chinese Seeds Received Unsolicited Plant Grown From Mystery China Seeds to ⦠Kansas officials warn about mystery packages of potentially dangerous seeds from China Local News. "I've had people describe to me that the seeds are coated with something purple. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has identified the unsolicited seeds people across the country have apparently been receiving from China. © 2020 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. The seeds typically arrive in white packages displaying Chinese lettering and the words "China Post." 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