Hundreds of U.S. residents have been mailed mysterious packets of seeds, mostly with Chinese return addresses on them.
Some of these packages were labeled to suggest that they contained jewelry or electronics, prompting the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Homeland Security, as well as several state agriculture departments, to investigate the odd racket.
Experts warn recipients NOT TO PLANT THEM or throw them away. If they are thrown away, they could grow at landfills and we are not sure yet what they are.
Instead, contact the Illinois Department of Agriculture via email agr.seeds@Illinois.gov with the following information:
- First and Last Name
- Phone Number
- Number of packages received.
Retain the seeds until you hear back from them with specific instructions.