Published 12:19 IST, July 31st 2020
What are the seeds from China coming to the US? USDA issues warning
People across the United States received unsolicited packages filled with seeds that appear to have come from China. Authorities have issued warnings.
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People across United States received unsolicited packs filled with seeds that appear to have come from China. Authorities in country have warned people against planting those seeds and are currently investigating situation. United States Department of Agriculture, who is looking into matter along with Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection, has said that at moment y don't have any evidence to suggest orwise than a simple 'brushing scam'. Brushing scam is when sellers ship ir inexpensive product to oblivious people to increase visibility and customer reviews in order to boost sales.
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"USDA is aware that people across country have received suspicious, unsolicited packs of seed that appear to be coming from China. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is working closely with Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection, or federal ncies, and State departments of agriculture to investigate situation. Please hold onto seeds and packaging, including mailing label, until someone from your state department of agriculture or APHIS contacts you with furr instructions. Do t plant seeds from unkwn origins," USDA said in a release on July 30.
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Several state governments across United States have also issued similar warnings on social media asking people to t plant seeds y received in unsolicited packs. According to media reports, people across Cana have also received similar packs containing seeds. Authorities re have also sounded similar alerts, warning people that seeds could be invasive in nature and may cause serious dam to country's natural and agricultural areas.
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Chinese foreign ministry's statement
Meanwhile, China's foreign ministry has also issued a statement related to mysterious seeds, offering United States authorities to help investigate source of packs. It said urged United States postal service to return packs to China post so that it could investigate. foreign ministry spokesperson ded that information labels on packs appear to be fake following checks by China's postal service.
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12:20 IST, July 31st 2020