The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning gardeners to avoid planting seeds from packages they weren’t expecting to arrive in the mail.
The agency says it’s investigating reports of people receiving seeds from “unsolicited packages.”
“Do not plant seeds from unknown origins,” reads a statement from the CFIA.
If you received a seed package that you did not order, please contact your regional CFIA office: https://t.co/9A0cleZUvW. Keep the packaging and do not plant seeds from an unknown origin! Learn more: https://t.co/cKHYz7Cqnn pic.twitter.com/s3dcGMkG1E
— Canadian Food Inspection Agency (@InspectionCan) July 29, 2020
“Unauthorized seeds could be the seeds of invasive plants, or carry plant pests, which can be harmful when introduced into Canada.”
The species could invade agricultural or natural areas, according to the CFIA, and cause “serious damage to our plant resources.”
Anyone who has received a package of seeds that they didn’t order is asked to contact their regional CFIA office “immediately,” and to keep the seeds and packaging – including the mailing label – until they are contacted by a CFIA inspector.
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