The chief scientist at Coca-Cola, Rhona Applebaum is to step down from the company.
Reports suggested that she had helped set up a research group downplaying the part sugary drinks play in the global obesity problem, and highlighting the benefits of regular physical activity and exercise.
The New York Times reported that Coca-Cola had invested $1.5 million in funding into the research group—the Global Energy Balance Network.
Rhona Applebaum (Source: Bloomberg)
The group argued that Americans were concentrating too much on calories and nutrition and should be more concerned about getting enough exercise.
‘After the financial connections came to light and drew criticism, the University of Colorado returned the $1 million dollars to Coca-Cola. Still, both the company and researchers said that studies were not influenced by the interests of soda sales.’ (ArsTechnica)
A spokesperson for Coca-Cola told The New York Times that Applebaum, aged 61, was retiring and had made the decision in October.
