Random seeds cause for concern For CFIA

If you’ve received a strange package in the mail filled with seeds you don’t recognize, don’t plant them.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued an advisory warning over the packages. They all look similar — non-descript white packaging, with the address of the sender matching the address of the destination. Some people said the packages had Chinese writing on them.

“Canadians are being cautioned to not plant these seeds from unknown origins,” said Wendy Asbil, the National Manager of Invasive Species and Domestic Plant Health Programs Section with the CFIA.

“As the CFIA looks into the matter, we want to reiterate the most important action for Canadians to take is to avoid planting seeds they did not order.”

As the seeds have no known origin, and the type of seed is not explicitly detailed in the packaging, there are concerns the plants may be an invasive species. As well, there may be plant pests within the packaging or seeds that would be damaging to Canadian ecosystems.

The organization also asks that the seeds not be thrown into the trash or into composting, as they could start to sprout, which will then have the plants taking root in the country.

“Anyone who has received seed packages they did not order is asked to contact their local CFIA office, with information related to the seeds, the location of origin and how the package was identified for border control,” Asbil added.

By Steven Wilson of Discover Weyburn