As Starbucks executives joyously announced a stock split to shareholders during the company’s annual meeting in Seattle on Tuesday, demonstrators gathered outside the meeting and stores in 100 other U.S. cities to denounce the company’s use of genetically engineered ingredients in some products. The protesters, organized by the Organic Consumers Association, particularly object to the company’s use of milk containing the genetically engineered bovine growth hormone. Company officials said they were trying to find replacements for the products. They also noted that none of the ingredients in the company’s coffees and teas is genetically engineered and that organic soy milk is available in its stores as a replacement for milk.
