Environmental health warning: What to do if you receive mysterious seeds in the post

Horsham District Council have become aware that some residents have reported receiving mysterious ‘seed packages’ in the post. The seeds have not been purchased or ordered by recipients.

The origin of the seeds is unknown, but a national investigation has been launched by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to uncover the source of the seeds, as well as to determine the reason they have been posted.

There have been reports that the packaging bears Chinese characters suggesting they may have originated from the far-east. There are fears that the seeds could be an invasive species and have prompted biosecurity concerns among officials.

The Council are urging anyone who has received such seeds not to plant them or throw them away in with domestic rubbish. They should instead forward on the packets of seeds with the original envelope/package the seeds were mailed in to:

Paul Bratby
APHA-PHSI
2nd Floor
Apex Court
City Link
Nottingham
NG2 4LA

The seeds will be destroyed by APHA on their behalf.