Mysterious Seed Package Reported In Burlington

BURLINGTON, MA — Officials in dozens of states, including Burlington police, have urged residents not to plant unsolicited packages of seeds that appear to have been sent from China.

Burlington police said Tuesday that they have had at least one report of such a seed packet in town.

"Please do not plant these," the department asked in a Tweet.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the seeds may simply be a scam where a seller sends out items and posts fake customer reviews to boost sales. Still, the department is investigating the mysterious seed packets to see if they contain anything of concern.

Anyone who receives seeds should hold onto the seeds and all packaging and contact the Massachusetts plant regulatory official or the state plant health director.

NBC News reported that 28 states have issued warnings about the unsolicited seeds.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.