Children of God for Life announced that PepsiCo with not use the aborted fetal cell line HEK-293, derived from embryonic kidneys, in their Senomyx agreement to develop flavour enhancers for their drink products.
Executive Director for Children of God for Life, Debi Vinnedge commented that PepsiCo’s decision was a major breakthrough and thanked the thousands of concerned consumers who had been writing and boycotting PepsiCo beverages over the last year.
Paul Boykas, PepsiCo’s VP of Global Public Policy, stated that, “Senomyx will not use HEK cells or any other tissues or cell lines derived from human embryos or fetuses for research performed on behalf of PepsiCo.”
“We are absolutely thrilled with PepsiCo’s decision,” said Mrs. Vinnedge. “They have listened to their customers and have made both a wise and profound statement of corporate integrity that deserves the utmost respect, admiration and support of the public.”
Boykas later commented that, “We took the matter very seriously. We have an official Statement on Responsible Research and we intend to live by that policy.” That policy precludes any research by PepsiCo – or third parties they fund – from using human tissue or cell lines derived from embryos or fetuses.
Vinnedge also encouraged people to write to PepsiCo to thank them for their stance, and to buy a Pepsi product by way of celebration.
“Too often we seem to focus on the negatives and forget to take the time to let others know we appreciate their efforts”, stated Vinnedge. “It is our sincere hope that the public will once again rise to the occasion en masse as they did in the boycott – but this time in appreciation and support of PepsiCo.”
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