Seeds from China Mostly Harmless

Seeds from China Mostly Harmless

Maura Bennett
Maura Bennett

It’s still a mystery as to why Americans in every state have received packets of seeds from China.

But scientists with the USDA do know that so far nothing truly dangerous has been shipped.

El-Lissy: “ We found one seed that’s considered to be noxious weed that’s called Dodder. Just one seed. And the another seed again that’s considered to be a noxious weed. It’s Water Spinach. And so that’s the extent of our findings so far. We found one larvae in one seed. It’s a Leaf Beetle. They're common. Most of the species are common in the United States. Other than that we have not found anything alarming.”

Osama El-Lissy, with the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said samples collected were of at least 14 different species of seeds including cabbage, mustard, morning glory and some herbs like mint, sage, rosemary and lavender. Other seeds have been identified as hibiscus and roses.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is asking folks who may get more seeds not to plant them and to contact them

Officials believe the seeds may be part of what’s known as a brush scam; when foreign sellers get your name and address online and send you merchandise you didn’t order in an effort to boost their reviews.

More recently people in several states say they’ve received unsolicited packages of face masks sent from china. Officials say you didn’t order them, throw them out.

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