Texas officials warn of mystery seed packets showing up in mail

Texas officials are asking Dallas residents to report unsolicited seed shipments in the mail. These unexplained deliveries may endanger agriculture, the environment, and public safety.

The Texas Department of Agriculture reports over 1,000 unsolicited seed packets collected in the past year, with Central Texas instances. In February 2025, a Clute homeowner received a box from China with strange seeds and a liquid, which authorities confirmed.

To date, the department has collected 1,101 seed packages from 109 Texas locations. The agency says the initial deliveries from China were mislabeled as consumer products.

Authorities said the issue goes beyond Texas. Similar seed deliveries in Ohio, New Mexico, and Alabama suggest a coordinated and widespread effort.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller warned that little goods might be dangerous if mishandled.

“At first glance, this may appear to be a minor issue, but it is, in fact, a significant matter,” Miller said. “These seeds could introduce an invasive species, threatening Texas families and the agricultural sector.”

The government reports that some seeds analyzed are invasive plant species. Others are unnamed and may contain insects, germs, or plant diseases. Officials warned that a single invasive bug may swiftly spread, threatening agriculture, natural ecosystems, and urban green areas, particularly in Austin.

The events may be biosecurity issues, according to state and federal officials. If not addressed quickly, the TDA warned that the continual exports could threaten the nation's agricultural foundation.

“Regardless of whether the case is an ongoing scam or something more nefarious, our commitment to protecting Texans remains unwavering,” Miller said. “Unsolicited seeds threaten American agriculture, the environment, and public safety.”

The TDA and government partners collect, test, and dispose of alien seeds. Authorities warned homeowners not to open the packages, plant the seeds, or trash them since wrong disposal could cause germination or spread.

Residents receiving unwanted packages should leave them unopened in their packaging and contact the Texas Department of Agriculture for handling instructions.

Call 1-800-TELL-TDA to report.