Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has raised concerns about unsolicited seed packages arriving from Chinese vendors across the state. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is collaborating with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to collect these packages for inspection.
One Texan reported ordering a dog toy from the Chinese vendor TEMU but received seeds instead. The total number of such incidents in Texas has reached five, prompting warnings for Texans to be cautious when opening unexpected packages from China.
“It’s clear there’s a trend here, and Americans nationwide need to stay vigilant," said Commissioner Miller. “The importance of biosecurity for our country shouldn't be overlooked. We heard back from APHIS; sure enough, the first reported package included an invasive plant species. We need everyone’s support to report these unsolicited packages from China.”
APHIS identified seeds found in Clute, Texas as Sacred Lotus or Nelumbo nucifera seeds, accompanied by a nutrient solution. Although considered invasive in many regions outside its native Asia, Sacred Lotus is not on the federal noxious weed list and is only banned in Wisconsin.
“These packages should never have gotten through customs,” Commissioner Miller stated. “Without the proper documentation and consent, the shipment did not meet the entry conditions for the United States. We need to close this loophole in our biosecurity protections. It’s a vulnerability to national security."
Invasive species can cause significant economic or environmental harm by destroying native crops or introducing diseases that affect plants and livestock.
The TDA plans to destroy these packages using steam sterilization at no cost to recipients. Information will be shared with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to track similar shipments.
Residents receiving foreign seed packages are advised not to open them but keep them sealed and contact TDA at (800) TELL-TDA.