1.  Activists in rich countries will organise consumer boycotts of genetically engineered foods, while farmers in the south take action to oppose the patenting of genes.

2.  And some biotechnology companies fear that if genetically engineered foods are driven out of the market, opponents might next turn to medical biotechnology.

3.  Another citizen group has formed to strategize how to get a ballot question asking for labels on genetically engineered foods before voters in the next few years.

4.  As sales of low-fat and fat-free food have skyrocketed, patents for engineered foods have become increasingly common.

5.  At least one study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, however, has shown that some genetically engineered food has the potential to cause allergic reactions.

6.  At the center of the storm is a researcher who argues that genetically engineered foods could create unforeseen hazards.

7.  Because so few safety studies have been done, there is no evidence that genetically engineered food now on the market is unsafe to eat.

8.  A handful of vandals are undermining the legal effort to question the safety of genetically engineered foods.

9.  Alan Goldhammer, director of technical affairs for the Biotechnology Industry Organization, defended the inclusion of genetically engineered foods under the organic tent.

10.  But critics of genetically engineered foods have said the timetable represents an attempt to stifle debate.