1.   And, until now, the tortilla subsidy was so politically sensitive that many politicians dared not destroy it.

2.   Corn producers and tortilla makers exchanged shots recently following a government announcement that it will make not-yet-defined cuts to tortilla subsidies.

3.   The administration of President Ernesto Zedillo argued that the tortilla subsidy was inefficient and that poor families would be given help for tortilla purchases under a more focused program.

4.   The government has denied reports that it will phase out tortilla subsidies this year.