After revelations about funding a scientific research that downplayed Coca Cola's role in obesity came out, the beverage giant's chief scientist has decided to step down.
Coke's chief science and health officer, Dr. Rhona S. Applebaum, has decided to retire and the transition is currently in motion according to a statement sent to Business Insider. She was reported to be involved in the establishment of a non-profit group known as the Global Energy Balance Network. The group is composed of university scientists who encouraged the public to focus on exercise as the ultimate key to a healthy body. They downplayed the role of how calories in food and beverages can lead to obesity.
According to the Global Energy Balance Network, "there's really no virtually compelling evidence" that sugary drinks, fast food and eating too much are the culprits for obesity.
An article in New York Times in August revealed Coke's financial ties to the group. Naturally, public health experts raised concerns over Coke trying to influence a scientific research on sugary drinks.
New York Times reports that the university returned the funding this month after the public outcry.
Dr. Applebaum had been Coke's chief scientific and regulatory officer since 2004, helping direct the company's efforts to collaborate with scientists as a way to offset criticisms on sugary drinks. Her decision for an early retirement was announced Tuesday by a spokeswoman from the company.
Meanwhile, Coca-Cola has denied any influence over Global Energy Balance Network or any of its research. Reports reveal something different though. It was found that Dr. Applebaum and other executives at Coca-Cola had a say in picking the leaders, creating its mission statement and even the design of its website as reported by Associated Press this week.
In response to these controversies, Coca-Cola has promised moving forward to be more transparent about research partnerships. Muhtar Kent, Coke's chief executive has release a statement saying, "It has become clear to us that there was not a sufficient level of transparency with regard to the company's involvement with the Global Energy Balance Network. Clearly, we have more work to do to reflect the values of this great company in all that we do."
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