Comments on: In Response to Recent Comments from Readers

By: Paulinejax

Paulinejax — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:16:27 +0000

I want to know why PepsiCo has just suddenly decided to close the factory which produces Gatorade and other drinks in Silea in Northern Italy? This dramatic and hellish decision has been made, leaving approximately 80 employees for the company, redundant at the end of 2010. Has anyone in PepsiCo high management level thought about human lives here….their future, their financial situation, their children….people who depend on a salary at the end of the month. This factory in Silea is one of the best producers in Europe so why is it going to be closed. PepsiCo's decision is outrageous and you should be ashamed of yourselves!

By: Daniel Pellegrom

Daniel Pellegrom — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:47:34 +0000

Thanks for your question. I asked my colleagues who are close to this issue to help with a response. Since acrylamide was first discovered in food in 2002, we've been working with regulators, scientists and other members of industry in a number of countries to understand its impact and formation. It is important to remember that acrylamide is not added to food, it forms naturally in a wide range of foods whether they are cooked at home, in restaurants or commercially. It has been present in the human diet for as long as people have been baking, roasting or frying foods.

As you noted in your question, PepsiCo/Frito-Lay reached an agreement with the California Attorney General on reductions of acrylamide that is fully in line with the company's existing goals to address acrylamide in our products. We committed to reducing the average acrylamide levels of potato chips sold in California by December 31, 2011. In February of this year, Frito-Lay advised the Attorney General that we are on target to reaching this goal.

PepsiCo is committed to addressing the issue of acrylamide in every market, not just the State of California. Because acrylamide forms naturally, however, it is heavily impacted by local climate, growing conditions, and availability of technologies. As such, mitigation doesn't always happen at the same pace across different regions. We continue to work with our local operations, their regulatory authorities and industry partners in all markets to implement the most effective reduction strategies for the local conditions. Because consumers are looking to stay up to date on this issue, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, a trade association to which we belong, maintains <http://www.acrylamidefacts.org> where you can find more information about the latest developments on acrylamide.

By: Quentin

Quentin — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 10:08:05 +0000

Thank you for the post. Can you update us on what actions Pepsico has taken on acrylamide, a carcinogen found in some of your products that Pepsico/Frito Lay were sued for by the state of California? I understand that Frito Lay paid $1.5 million in fines and agreed in 2008 to reduce acrylamide levels. How much has been reduced? And are these reductions global or just in the state of California?

By: b.b.betty

b.b.betty — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 10:43:20 +0000

Personally, I love that this food blog exists, and that PepsiCo has a Chief Scientific Officer that is willing to engage. Please don't read the lack of posts as a measure of the impact of this blog — sustained, rational discussion and engagement centered around facts and big ideas is really important.

Food companies most definitely have a role in the discussion. Ignore the haters.

By: Valentine_ckr

Valentine_ckr — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 09:37:53 +0000

I was supposed to submit my idea on refresheverything.com com at the right time which is 11.00 pm cst when my submission was blocked. Is this project entitrely for pepsi workers, thier relatives of friends. F*** voting for somebodyelse.