71.   Opposition to genetically modified food, which has sparked mass demonstrations in Europe, is growing in the United States.

72.   Opponents contend that the big companies are using poorer countries as a way to force genetically modified foods into reluctant markets.

73.   Protests erupted in Europe, and genetically modified foods became the rallying point of vast political opposition.

74.   Promoters of genetically modified food argue that in this way their produce actually benefits the environment.

75.   Q. Do you see any resolution of the controversy about genetically modified foods?

76.   Quite simply, the term is most often used to describe modified foods or ingredients intended to provide health benefits beyond the nutrients they contain.

77.   Some genetically modified foods are simply hybrids with a fancy name.

78.   Still, some companies are dropping genetically modified foods from their products, trying to avoid what could be a public-relations disaster.

79.   Supermarkets are increasingly the targets of environmental groups that oppose genetically modified foods.

80.   Susan Hefle, an allergy expert at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said there is no evidence that genetically modified foods have caused any spike in allergies.