The Generosity of Coca-Cola and Pepsi Towards American Health Organizations

A new controversial report has unveiled another instance of "corruption" in the scientific research process regarding carbonated beverages. It appears that many health organizations in the U.S. are financially supported by two major soft drink manufacturers, Coca-Cola and Pepsi. According to CNN, Coca-Cola and Pepsi have recently provided financial support to 96 health-related organizations and groups. Simultaneously, they are lobbying against draft laws aimed at reducing the public's consumption of carbonated drinks. Just a month ago, it was revealed that the sugar industry in the U.S. in the 1950s and 1960s had paid scientists to downplay the harmful effects of sugar on health in their scientific writings, instead directing their attacks towards dietary fats. Dr. Michael Siegel, one of the authors of this new report and a professor at Boston University's School of Public Health, states that this financial support could influence these organizations' backing of public health initiatives aimed at reducing obesity by decreasing the consumption of carbonated drinks. Due to the sugar content in carbonated beverages, they are cited as one of the factors contributing to obesity, elevated blood sugar levels, and heart diseases. The American Diabetes Research Foundation, one of the recipients of this financial support, stated that these donations were not organizational but were received individually by local fundraisers. This organization claims that its work focuses on research regarding Type 1 diabetes, which they assert is an autoimmune disease and not related to diet or specific lifestyle choices. This controversial report does not limit itself to the financial support of soft drink companies for scientific organizations. According to Time magazine, another aspect of this research looks at these companies' activities against the passage of laws related to reducing the consumption of these beverages. Between 2011 and 2015, Coca-Cola and Pepsi opposed and lobbied against 28 draft laws and supported one law. Of these 28 drafts, 12 were related to imposing taxes on soft drinks. The only law these companies supported was the cessation of soft drink sales in schools, provided that diet versions of the same drinks could still be sold in schools. This report, published in the scientific journal Preventive Medicine, has astonished researchers across the U.S. The authors of this research believe that the goal of this financial support is to create a positive atmosphere towards their brand in research environments. These authors warn that receiving such support, rather than helping to improve public health standards, will ultimately benefit these private companies.