The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is warning members of the public not to plant seeds sent to them from unknown senders outside the EU.

The department is aware of incidents of people receiving seeds in the post without having ordered them or asked for them in any way.

Taking to social media to raise the issue, the department said: “We have received reports from members of the public who have received unsolicited seeds in the post from an unknown sender outside the EU.

“Don’t plant or compost the seeds as they may pose a risk to the environment. Always source any plants and seeds responsibly from known suppliers,” the department stressed.

“Anyone importing seeds, plants or plant products from outside the EU needs to be registered with us and consignments require a phytosanitary certificate to prevent the introduction of harmful pests and invasive species into Ireland and the EU,” the department highlighted.

Other countries

Concerns over this have also been raised in other countries where it is apparently happening.

In the US, the department of agriculture for the state of Washington said in late July (also via social media): “We have receive reports of people receiving seeds from China that they did not order. If you receive them – don’t plant them.”