Don't Open Unsolicited Seeds From China, NJ Officials Warn

NEW JERSEY — The New Jersey Department of Agriculture is warning residents about unsolicited seeds that have been mailed to homes across the state, saying whatever you do, do not plant them.

New Jersey's warning follows that of states across the country where the seeds have been reported.

The packages have been coming from China and sometimes have been sent in packages that say they contain jewelry, agriculture department officials said.

"Unsolicited seeds could be invasive, introduce diseases to local plants, or be harmful to livestock," the department said.

Here's what to do if you receive unsolicited seeds from another country:

1. DO NOT plant the seeds.
2. If they are in sealed packaging, do not open the sealed package.
3. Take a photo of the package and seeds and send the photos to USDA Smuggling Interdiction and Trade Compliance at SITC.Mail@aphis.usda.gov.
4. Maintain the seeds and packaging and send to the USDA Office:

USDA APHIS PPQ
Attention: Gregory Soto
1500 Lower Road
Linden, NJ 07036

Please write your name, address, phone number and email address on a piece of paper and insert it in your package.

If you have already planted or discarded seeds please send an email to Gregory.t.soto@usda.gov.

The agriculture department also urges anyone who knows of potential smuggling of prohibited exotic fruits, vegetables, or meat products into or through the USA, they can report it to APHIS by contacting the confidential Anti-Smuggling Hotline number at 800-877-3835 or by sending an Email to SITC.Mail@aphis.usda.gov.

The USDA will make every attempt to protect the confidentiality of any information sources during an investigation within the extent of the law.