Post by Admin on Aug 4, 2020 2:08:04 GMT
Tests results on unsolicited packages delivered to Alabama residents from China showed the seeds were a combination of flowers, vegetables and herbs.
Commission of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate said ADAI has received 385 reports of unsolicited seed packages delivered in Alabama. Field inspectors have collected 252 samples with more than half of the recipients saying they had previously ordered seeds. The packages, which have been received by people across the country, were marked “China Post” and “untracked.” Several of the packages indicated the contents were jewelry.
The samples were tested for unknown compounds, noxious weeds or seeds and invasive species, Pate said. So far, 50% of the samples were identified as flower seeds, 41% vegetable seeds and 9% herbs. Seventeen of the samples were tested for dangerous compounds; none were detected.
ADAI said the packages were likely part of an online scam where verified deliveries are used to bolster online rankings.
“Currently there is not any evidence indicating this is something other than a “brushing scam” where people receive unsolicited items from a seller who then posts false customer reviews to boost sales,” ADAI said in a statement.
The packages have been reported in 56 of Alabama’s 67 counties, with the most in Baldwin, Jefferson and Mobile counties.
A Manhattan woman discovered an odd package in her mailbox recently: A gray-ish white box from China, contain bags of mystery seeds.
CBS News confirmed that residents in all 50 states have reported receiving the suspicious packages of seeds. The USDA said if you receive the packets of seeds, do not plant them and contact your state plant regulatory official.
Although the species identified so far are harmless, plant experts have warned that seeds from other parts of the world could damage crops.
State agriculture officials in Virginia warned, "Invasive species wreak havoc on the environment, displace or destroy native plants and insects and severely damage crops. 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."
Commission of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate said ADAI has received 385 reports of unsolicited seed packages delivered in Alabama. Field inspectors have collected 252 samples with more than half of the recipients saying they had previously ordered seeds. The packages, which have been received by people across the country, were marked “China Post” and “untracked.” Several of the packages indicated the contents were jewelry.
The samples were tested for unknown compounds, noxious weeds or seeds and invasive species, Pate said. So far, 50% of the samples were identified as flower seeds, 41% vegetable seeds and 9% herbs. Seventeen of the samples were tested for dangerous compounds; none were detected.
ADAI said the packages were likely part of an online scam where verified deliveries are used to bolster online rankings.
“Currently there is not any evidence indicating this is something other than a “brushing scam” where people receive unsolicited items from a seller who then posts false customer reviews to boost sales,” ADAI said in a statement.
The packages have been reported in 56 of Alabama’s 67 counties, with the most in Baldwin, Jefferson and Mobile counties.
A Manhattan woman discovered an odd package in her mailbox recently: A gray-ish white box from China, contain bags of mystery seeds.
CBS News confirmed that residents in all 50 states have reported receiving the suspicious packages of seeds. The USDA said if you receive the packets of seeds, do not plant them and contact your state plant regulatory official.
Although the species identified so far are harmless, plant experts have warned that seeds from other parts of the world could damage crops.
State agriculture officials in Virginia warned, "Invasive species wreak havoc on the environment, displace or destroy native plants and insects and severely damage crops. 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."
