Beware of mysterious seed packages from China

Mysterious packages of seeds” that appear to be sent from China are landing on doorsteps across the Coast, the state and the country, Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson said Tuesday.
Do not plant them or throw them away. They could be invasive plant species, Gipson said.
Packages have been reported in 15 counties, including coastal counites Hancock, Harrison and Jackson. None of the seed packages have been reported yet in Pearl River County.
The U.S. Dept of Agriculture said evidence gathered so far points to a “brushing scam, where people receive unsolicited items from a seller who then posts false customer reviews to boost sales.” The agency also is collecting the seed packages and testing them and determine if they contain anything of concern to U.S. agriculture or the environment.
Anyone who receives unsolicited seeds from any foreign country should report it by calling the state’s Bureau of Plant Industry at 662-325-3390. Keep the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label, and an inspector will come pick it up.
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