A number of peculiar packages have started appearing on doorsteps across the US, with officials warning that this could have a huge impact on agriculture.
It's been reported that a number of packages containing Chinese seeds have been arriving in the state of Texas, according to the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Yesterday (15 January), the department said that 126 deliveries to citizens had been reported in 2026 alone.
These packages are said to usually include clear envelopes containing seeds, sometimes with no branding and occasionally with Chinese labels.
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The odd thing about them though, is that they're turning up at homes of those who haven't ordered them, as worried officials have call for Texans not to open them and instead alert authorities to collect the items.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller stated: “These packages are pouring in faster and further than ever before.
“They may look innocent, but the danger is real.”
He added: “One invasive species, pest, or pathogen could devastate Texas farms, ranches, natural resources, and food supply. We cannot gamble with Texas agriculture.”
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Miller said that it's essential for residents to 'stay sharp' and that they must 'report every suspicious package'.
“We can’t take any chances that might jeopardize our producers, the environment, or food security,” he urged.
The majority of reported deliveries have been reported in the eastern Texas area, though it has been revealed that more recent deliveries have made their way out of state and towards Florida and New Mexico.
Before conspiracy theorists run wild with supposed plots from China to poison American crops and cause locals to starve, it's likely something far more straightforward and less scandalous.
This may be part of a 'brushing scam', that is, when businesses send products with little to no worth to real addresses, so they can write reviews in the resident's name to boost sales of the product.
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The scheme can work on the most illegitimate of products, with this also not being the first instance of mystery seeds making their way across the US.
Back in 2020, similar deliveries were taking place, with many believe it to be part of a scam as well.
It appears that they are slipping US customs, who are responsible for monitoring all organic goods which enter the country to stop any potentially harmful species from making it into the country.
Officials are now asking Americans to be more careful to keep this threat at a minimum, as Miller admitted that there is a 'flaw in our security system' when speaking about customs.
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He explained to News 4 San Antonio: “These things are coming direct ship. Customs is not picking this up.
“Some of these seeds have been invasive species, noxious weeds that we don’t want to get started in our agriculture crops,” he said, admitting that 'it could ruin agriculture production'.
Topics: China, US News, Food And Drink, Health
Joshua Nair