In India, Coke and Pepsi put profit over people lives.

Background: There have been 2 studies in India (2003 and 2006) regarding the pesticide content in Coke and Pepsi. Both these studies are consistent and the gist of the report is reproduced below:

The 2006 CSE ( Centre for Science and Environment) study tests 57 samples of 11 soft drink brands, from 25 different manufacturing plants of Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, spread over 12 states. The study finds pesticide residues in all samples; it finds a cocktail of 3-5 different pesticides in all samples — on an average 24 times higher than BIS norms, which have been finalised but not yet notified. The levels in some samples — for instance, Coca-Cola bought in Kolkata — exceeded the BIS standards by 140 times for the deadly pesticide Lindane. Similarly, a Coca-Cola sample manufactured in Thane contained the neurotoxin Chlorpyrifos, 200 times the standard. "This is clearly unacceptable as we know that pesticides are tiny toxins and impact our bodies over time," says Sunita Narain, director, CSE.

In response, several public protests were held in India after the study's release. Cola sales are being restricted.

So simple issue, right ? The high levels of pesticide found in the drinks are a direct threat to the health of the local population. So makes sense for the local governments to severely restrict sales of the drink and care for it's population, right ?

Dead wrong (pun intended). Instead here is what we get:

Here's what Undersecretary for International Trade Franklin Lavin has to say. "This kind of action is a setback for the Indian economy. In a time when India is working hard to attract and retain foreign investment, it would be unfortunate if the discussion were dominated by those who did not want to treat foreign companies fairly."

In simple language, Lavin is saying "I don't care if your citizens die if it cuts into profits". According to Lavin, it doesn't matter that the Indian govt. is actually listening to demands of the public (something that rarely happens in the US, I must admit). Lavin believes only in his version of "democracy", namely unrestrained corporate power at any cost, peoples lives be damned. Apparently, its OK to murder people as long as foreign companies are treated "fairly".

Kiran Pasricha, the US head of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) says "I see it as local politics in the Indian context. Investors have to see the bigger picture. We hope that better sense will prevail". So, people's justifiable reaction to high pesticide content is "local politics". Am I dreaming here ?

And what does Coke say ?

Coca-Cola India has questioned the reliability of the studies. "The CSE is not an accredited laboratory," said Asim Parekh, vice president (technical). Wrong !

From the CSE site, here is the truth:

The current study was conducted by the same Pollution Monitoring Laboratory of CSE, which had tested samples in 2003. It will be recalled that the two soft drink companies had raised numerous issues regarding the veracity of the CSE study and the capabilities of its laboratory staff, which were scrutinised and debunked by JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee) in its report. The JPC endorsed the methodology and the findings of the 2003 CSE study. This time, further improvements have been made. Firstly, the laboratory is now accredited with ISO 9001:2000 quality management system. Secondly, the laboratory has confirmed the presence of the pesticides using an expensive and state of art equipment — the GC-MS. "We have fully complied with the JPC directions and are even more confident about our findings," says Chandra Bhushan, associate director at CSE.

Another argument presented by Pepsi-Cola
Pesticide levels in Indian tea and milk are far higher than those in their products.

This is a meaningless comparison because Pepsi has consistently failed to disclose any test results to prove the safety of its own products. So we're supposed to believe their comparisons ? Moreover, what exactly does Pepsi mean by its statement ? Essentially, Pepsi is saying "You're filthy, so you deserve filthy products". That sounds pretty wrong to me. The core issue in my opinion should be that regulation is required in this matter and colas are just one aspect of the issue. The CSE does not selectively target colas only. The issue is one of rampant corruption at all levels. Moreover, the CSE has indicated that Pepsi's comparisons are based on selective data. Here is the CSE position on Pepsi's claims.

Pepsi's star PIMP Shahrukh Khan, was today quoted in the media saying, "We are a filthy country." Lets be clear ... Shahrukh Khan is the filthiest corporate shill there is !

Anyone who isn't furious at the despicable need of corporations to put profit over people's lives isn't human.