The Texas Department of Agriculture has warned people not to open strange seed packets they receive in the mail from unknown senders. Officials request residents to give these packets directly to the agriculture department. Since February 2025, Texas has found 1,101 such packets at 109 locations. They suspect the packets are shipped from China, though they can't confirm the sender. Similar packets have also been sent to New Mexico, Ohio, and Alabama. Officials worry the seeds could carry invasive species, pests, or plant diseases that harm local farms and the environment. Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said, "At a glance, this might seem like a small problem, but this is serious business." He added, "The possible introduction of an invasive species to the state via these seeds poses real risks to Texas families and the agriculture industry. We need everyone to report these packages when they arrive so the contents may be gathered and disposed of properly." The department warns residents not to throw seeds in the trash, as they could end up spreading from landfills. The latest seed packet arrived on December 29, 2025. The USDA destroys the seeds using steam sterilization. Miller emphasized, "Whether it's part of an ongoing scam or something more sinister, we are determined to protect Texans. Unsolicited seeds coming into our country are a risk to American agriculture, our environment, and public safety. Texas isn't going to take chances when it comes to protecting our people and our food supply."