Dallas, Texas, Apr 30, 2012 / 23:01 pm
Soft drink maker PepsiCo has said that it does not conduct or fund research that uses human embryonic or fetal tissue, causing a pro-life group to end its boycott of the company.
“We can assure you that PepsiCo does not conduct or fund research – including research performed by third parties – that utilizes any human tissue or cell lines derived from embryos or fetuses,” said Paul Boykas, PepsiCo’s Vice President for Global Public Policy.
Boykas made his remarks in an April 26 letter to Debi Vinnedge, executive director of the group Children of God for Life, who had been protesting PepsiCo's ties with a company that uses an aborted fetal cell line in creating product sweeteners.
In response to the letter, Vinnedge said her organization is “absolutely thrilled” with the company’s decision. She encouraged opponents of the research to thank PepsiCo and resume buying the company’s products.