Soybean seeds undergoing genetic modification experiments in a lab at Longping Biotechnology (Hainan) Co in Sanya, South China’s Hainan Province. Photo: Zhao Juecheng/GT

China fined six companies and individuals involved in illegal experiments, planting and sale of genetically modified crops, according to a notice issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on Tuesday.

Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group Co, a major manufacturer of animal feed products were among the companies fined for conducting tests on genetically modified corn in violation of regulations, according to the notice.

Inspectors discovered that the company failed to report to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs' Agricultural GMO Safety Management Office after it planted genetically modified corn in Xincai County, Central China’s Henan Province, after receiving safety certificates. The test was suspended and the crops have since been removed and rendered inactive.

In another case, an individual in Nanchang, East China’s Jiangxi Province, was fined 15,000 yuan ($2,212) and had illegal gains of 29,545 yuan confiscated for selling genetically modified soybeans without appropriate labeling.

Other companies including Sichuan Zhenghong Bio Co and Hainan Jiushenghe Agricultural Science Research Institute Co were fined 10,000 yuan each for carrying out tests on genetically modified corn without approval.

The ministry urged companies and individuals to place priority on safety management of genetically modified crops, carrying out research, testing, trading, processing and labeling activities in strict accordance with laws and regulations.

In recent years China has been stepping up efforts in the regulation and legalization of genetically modified crops as the country seeks to further bolster its food security.

In June, the agricultural ministry issued two variety certification standards at the national level for genetically modified crops, including soybeans and corn, in what industry observers said a significant step in the commercialization of genetically modified soybeans and corns in China.

Global Times