MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has been notified that some Wisconsin residents have received unsolicited packages in the mail containing seeds that appear to have originated from China. The types of seeds in the packages are currently unknown and may contain invasive plant species. Similar packages have been received in other locations across the United States.

If you receive a package of this type:

• Do not plant or throw away the seeds.

• If the seeds are in sealed packaging, do not open the sealed package. If possible, retain the original packaging. It may be useful as we investigate this issue.

• Please report the seeds to DATCP using this online form.

• After filling out the online form, please hold onto the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label, until DATCP or APHIS contacts you with further instructions.

DATCP is also receiving reports of unsolicited packages containing other small items that are NOT seeds (masks, nail clippers, a piece of jewelry, etc.). If you received one of these packages, please do not do anything with the package and contact DATCP’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-422-7128 or [email protected] to file a complaint.

All foreign seeds shipped to the United States should have a phytosanitary certificate which guarantees the seeds meet import requirements. Unsolicited seeds could be invasive species, contain noxious weeds, could introduce diseases to local plants, or could be harmful to livestock. Invasive species and noxious weeds can displace native plants and increase costs of food production.

DATCP works closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to prevent the introduction of invasive species and protect Wisconsin’s diverse agricultural industry.

For continued updates and information on this issue, please visit DATCP’s website.