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News & Information

Department: Prosecutor's Office

Unsolicited Seeds from China

Release Date: July 30, 2020

Info from New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

 

Do not plant seeds.  Take picture and send to AG and USDA

 

https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/news/hottopics/topics200727.html

 

Information on unsolicited seeds from China

We have been receiving reports of people receiving seeds in the mail from China that they did not order. Sometimes the seeds are sent in packages stating that the contents are jewelry. Unsolicited seeds could be invasive, introduce diseases to local plants, or be harmful to livestock.

Here's what to do if you receive unsolicited seeds from another country:

  • DO NOT plant them and if they are in sealed packaging don't open the sealed package.
  • Take a photo of the package and seeds and send the photos to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to joseph.zoltowski@ag.nj.gov and USDA SITC at SITC.Mail@aphis.usda.gov

This is known as agricultural smuggling. Report it to the USDA! Maintain the seeds and packaging and send to the USDA Office located at 1500 Lower Rd, Linden NJ 07036 for evidence. 

If individuals are aware of the potential smuggling of prohibited exotic fruits, vegetables, or meat products into or through the USA, they can help APHIS by contacting the confidential Anti-smuggling Hotline number at 800-877-3835 or by sending an Email to SITC.Mail@aphis.usda.gov. The USDA will make every attempt to protect the confidentiality of any information sources during an investigation within the extent of the law.

Best Regards,

 

James R McDonald III, M.S., EMT

County Health Officer

Sussex County Department of Health and Human Services

Division of Health

201 Wheatsworth Road

Hamburg NJ 07419

973-579-0370