PepsiCo, Coke tie-up to test pesticide residues

The two companies are working to develop a scientific method to test pesticide residues in beverages.

Under fire over allegations of pesticides in soft drinks, PepsiCo President and CEO Indira Nooyi on Monday said the company was working with rival Coca Cola to develop a scientific method to test pesticide residues in beverages and other products.

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"I am pleased to report that we and the Coca Cola Company are in the process of validating a breakthrough, science-based method to reliably and consistently measure low levels of pesticide residues in soft drinks," Nooyi said at a conference of American Chambers of Commerce.

Nooyi, on her first visit to India after taking charge at the helm of the global beverages giant, said the company was also working in cooperation with the Government of India.

"We are working in close cooperation with the Indian government, which has been tasked with establishing science-based safety standards for pesticides across the food supply — a mission we wholeheartedly support," she said.

The PepsiCo chief said, the company would "abide by and fully comply with" whatever standards the Indian Government sets.

"But as for soft drinks, given the progress in measurement technology currently being validated, we would accept science based standards for finished soft drinks," she said.