PepsiCo and Senomyx

The response I received from PepsiCo...either they need to do a little more research on the companies they are partnering with, or they need to work on their honesty with consumers.

Karen

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Sent: Fri, April 1, 2011 1:00:26 PM
Subject: A Message from PepsiCo Consumer Relations 012652145B


Dear Karen,

Thank you for contacting us to share your sincere concerns. Please know that we take very seriously the issues you raised. PepsiCo has a strong set of defined values we strive to live up to.

Unfortunately, there is some misinformation being circulated related to research techniques that have been used for decades by universities, hospitals, government agencies, and private companies around the world. These claims are meant to suggest that human fetal tissue is somehow used in our research. That is both inaccurate and something we would never do or even consider.

It also is inaccurate to suggest that tissue or cells somehow are being used as product ingredients. That’s dangerous, unethical and against the law. Every ingredient in every one of our products is reviewed and approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

We hope this information is helpful and reassuring. Thank you again for reaching out to us and allowing us to clarify the situation.


Stephanie White
Consumer Relations Representative

012652145B

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My response:

Stephanie,

I appreciate your thoughtful response.  I am still concerned, though, because it is clear that PepsiCo is working with Senomyx.  As stated in this article on PepsiCo's website, the PepsiCo relationship includes Senomyx' research on "natural" flavorings that will change the way human taste buds respond to flavors. In the patents for this research, filed in 2008, it is stated that HEK293 is used.  From this information, it is clear that they are using human fetal tissue from aborted babies to do their product development.  This is not a "claim," but a proven fact.  While some may question whether or not it really matters...the exploitation of a dead human child for researching food flavorings is never appropriate or ethical.  I hope that PepsiCo will reconsider its relationship with this company.

Thank you,

Karen Palmer, MA