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Reporting and disposing of unsolicited seeds

Since 2020, a number of Canadians have reported receiving packages of seeds by mail that they did not order.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has concluded that the seeds most likely originate from a brushing scam, where a business tries to boost online sales by sending unrequested products to customers and posting fake positive reviews.

Do not plant unrequested seeds.

Certain seeds could become invasive plants or carry plant pests, which can be harmful when introduced into Canada. They can seriously damage forests as well as agricultural and natural areas.

What to do

If you receive seeds that you did not order:

If you have already planted them or put them in the compost:

Learn more about the impact that invasive plants can have:

For questions, please contact your local CFIA office.

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