I learned about this in May, 2011, so I emailed Pepsi Co’s consumer relations department and asked for a “yes” or “no” answer to this claim. I received this NON-answer. Since then, I’ve switched soft drink brands but wonder just how long until we hear that most soft drink companies use this sort of “research.”
Dear Virginia,
Thank you for contacting us to share your sincere concerns.
Please be assured that PepsiCo is committed to using only the highest ethical methods in all aspects of our research. This is something we take very seriously, and we hold ourselves and all of our research partners to the same high standards as the world’s leading research centers.
With respect to the flavor discovery research with Senomyx, we utilize techniques that have been the gold standard for several decades by top universities, hospitals, U.S. government agencies, food and beverage companies, and essentially every pharmaceutical and biotech company in the world. Yet, there is some misinformation being circulated meant to distort what we’re doing and question our motives and those of other companies. This is unfortunate, and it is certainly not reflective of the work we are doing.
We hope this information is helpful and reassuring. Thank you again for reaching out to us and allowing us to clarify the situation.
Pepsi Consumer Relations
012705601A