New Delhi, Aug 21: Softdrink majors Coca-Cola and
Pepsi today welcomed the government's announcement that their
products are safe.
"We have the utmost praise and respect for the (health
and family welfare) ministry's leadership on this issue and
have full faith in the Indian authorities to develop
science-based standards," Coca-Cola India president Sanjiv
Gupta said in a statement here jointly issued with Pepsi.
"We have never doubted the quality of our soft drinks as
we have unwavering commitment to consumer safety. This
announcement will ensure continued trust in our brands," he
added.
Pepsico chairman Rajiv Bakshi said "the government has
categorically declared our products safe. We are pleased that
the ministry shares our confidence in the safety of our
products".
Asked whether the company would take legal action against
the Centre for science and environment for alleging that its
products contained pesticides far higher than allowed, Gupta
said "we are not suing CSE. Our focus will instead be to
restore consumer confidence in our products".
He said Coca-Cola's sales have been affected by as much
as 15 per cent in some areas after the allegations were first
made public by CSE.
Bureau Report
