Unsolicited seed packages prompt a warning to recipients
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Significant numbers of Scottish households have over the past weeks been receiving unsolicited packets of seeds in the post from China and Singapore as part of what is possibly a scam.
Following contact with Scottish Government, NFU Scotland is urging those receiving seeds to take the following actions.
• If the packet of seeds has not been opened, please leave it sealed.
• Do not plant or compost these seeds.
It is possible that these seeds could be a harmful invasive species or harbour a disease both of which if released could pose a threat to agriculture and the environment.
• Do not handle the seeds
These seeds may have been treated with a chemical pesticide.
Please wash your hands if you have handled them without gloves.
Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) is collecting these unsolicited packets of seeds for analysis.
It is asking for your co-operation to send these seeds to SASA.
Email your details and a postal address to info@sasa.gov.scot
You will be sent a pre-paid self-addressed envelope and zip-lock bag.
When you receive the envelope and zip-lock bag please insert the packet of seeds into the zip-lock bag and seal.
Then place the zip-lock bag and contents into the envelope and post it back to SASA.
If you receive further unsolicited packages, please report them again using info@sasa.gov.scot
