New Delhi: Referring to the clean chit given to soft drinks manufacturers by a government-commissioned study, PepsiCo President and Chief Executive Indra Nooyi on Monday termed Pepsi products as "safest in the world".
Seeking to completely undo the damage done by a pesticide controversy, Nooyi said in a press conference in New Delhi that Pepsi gave safety and integrity of products the single-highest priority and would fully comply with whatever standards India sets.
"I personally stand behind each and every product we sell. In my view, they are the best in the world," Nooyi said as quoted by PTI.
Nooyi was addressing her first press interaction outside the US after taking charge at the helm of the $33-billion MNC.
She said Pepsi, which along with rival Coca Cola has been embroiled in controversies in India over presence of high levels of pesticides in soft drinks, followed "rigorous standards" of safety and quality.
Nooyi also announced that Pepsi will soon launch some new beverages specially developed for India and is working with rival Coca-Cola on a new technology to measure pesticide residues in soft drinks.
PepsiCo has invested $500 million in Indian market since beginning operations in 1989. Nooyi said the company would make further investments in India and also launch newer products from its vast portfolio.
Refusing to divulge financial figures on the company's operations in India, Nooyi said the company was "yet to reach superior levels" of profits.
Nooyi also explain the company's corporate social responsibility initiatives, especially on the front of water conservation.
On charges that cola companies were depleting the ground water table, Nooyi said overall, the Indian industry accounted for about 6 per cent of the total water usage, of which the bottled, soft drink manufacturers accounted only for a mere 400th of 1 per cent.
On health issues due to cola consumption, mainly obesity in children, Nooyi said tackling it required a multi-dimensional approach and need to do more on this front like exercise in school to prevent sedentary lifestyle and educate kids on proper nutrition and exercise.
She said Pepsi was making efforts to reduce fats and sugars in its products. The Lehar Lites brands have 25 per cent less oil, the roasted line of Indian snacks use oil only for seasoning and the Cheetos brand was available with 25 per cent less fat portfolio.
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