"Mystery seed" packages from China

On January 15, 2026, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller issued a warning about a sharp spike in unsolicited "mystery seed" packages arriving in the mail, primarily from China. The TDA reported collecting 126 packets in the first 15 days of 2026 alone, with a dramatic surge in reports since an earlier alert on January 5.

This is part of an ongoing issue that began resurfacing in early 2025 (with the first notable case in Clute, Texas, involving unidentified seeds and sometimes an unknown liquid). Since February 2025, the TDA has collected over 1,100 packets total from more than 100 locations across the state.These packages are unsolicited, often labeled with Chinese characters, and may be linked to "brushing scams" (where sellers send unwanted items to fake positive reviews using harvested addresses). The bigger concern is biosecurity: the seeds could contain invasive species, pests, or pathogens that might harm Texas agriculture, ranches, natural resources, or food supply—even one harmful introduction could be devastating.What to do if you receive one (per TDA guidance):

• Do not open the package.
• Do not plant the seeds.
• Do not throw them away (e.g., in trash or toilet), as that risks spreading potential issues.
• Keep it sealed in its original packaging.
• Contact the Texas Department of Agriculture immediately at 1-800-TELL-TDA (835-5832)—they'll arrange safe collection and handling.

Similar reports have appeared in other states recently, but Texas has seen a particularly high volume in this latest wave. Officials emphasize vigilance, as these may look harmless but carry real risks.For the official details, check the TDA website (texasagriculture.gov) or their recent news releases from January 5 and 15, 2026.