He knows they think that mundane products like polyester and petroleum are a distraction from hot items like genetically altered corn or fancy new drugs.

They mention the recent finding that the caterpillars of monarch butterflies are killed by pollen from genetically altered corn.

Spanish farmers have been growing altered corn for several years.

One argument against the introduction of genetically altered corn here is the fear that cross-pollination with native varieties could alter the purity of those crops.

The European authorities are focusing on animal feed, as they have confirmed the presence of the genetically altered corn in it, but not in corn oil or flour thus far.

After examining a different genetically altered corn with a similar antibiotic-resistant gene last summer, the agency said these types of corn should not be sold in Europe.

It is estimated that two-thirds of the processed foods now in American supermarkets are made with genetically altered corn, soy or other crops.

And McDonald's cooks French fries in vegetable oil made from genetically altered corn and soybeans.

Genetically altered corn and soybeans - the nation's two biggest crops - were planted on more than 60 million acres of farmland last year.

But for the biggest companies, steering clear of genetically altered corn and soybeans is very difficult.