A worker shows the imported soybeans from Ukraine at a terminal in Nantong, Jiangsu province, on May 10, 2019.

Eight genetically-modified plant species have passed safety evaluations for import, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said.

The plants - five corn and three soybean species - have certain characteristics, such as being resistant to pests and weed killers, and only will be used as raw materials for food processing. Their safety certificates took effect on June 11 and expire on June 11, 2025, according to a list released by the ministry on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the ministry also awarded safety certificates to 117 genetically-modified organisms and products for their production and application.

Most of the products approved are GM cotton species that are resistant to pests, which means these species can be grown in specific areas of China. The others include vaccines and drugs for animal use that contain GM elements.

Academic opinion generally accepts the safety of approved GMO products, which sometimes entails controversy among the public. China adopted very strict standards on safety evaluation of GMO products, and all GMO products available on the domestic market have passed safety evaluations and are safe, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.