Approach

All of our Research and Development locations globally adhere to responsible research practices applying the highest ethical standards in all aspects of their work. The PepsiCo Life Sciences team conducts clinical research internally at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute laboratories, as well as with external partners like academic institutions or contract research organizations. We aim to answer key questions about human nutrition and physiology, including the efficacy of current products and ingredients, and potential future innovations. PepsiCo’s clinical studies are transparently registered in the U.S. National Library of Medicine database and our study findings are published in peer-reviewed journals to advance science and share knowledge with the scientific community.

The PepsiCo Position on Conduct of Scientific Research is shared with prospective external research partners prior to initiating academic and clinical research agreements. Our position, and researchers’ alignment with it, helps us ensure that PepsiCo research will continue to be of the highest ethical quality. The Position also provides that PepsiCo’s sponsorship does not in any way change or seek to influence the outcome of any study that we fund. PepsiCo bars itself from editing, delaying, or preventing a publication because of the outcome of the findings or results.

PepsiCo does not conduct or fund research (including by third parties) that utilizes human tissue or cell lines derived from embryos or fetuses. Furthermore, in line with our Global Policy on Animal Welfare, PepsiCo does not conduct animal tests with respect to our food and beverage products or ingredients, except when required by law to demonstrate safety or efficacy. PepsiCo revises our clinical practices as necessary by reviewing and implementing industry guiding principles and best practices to be consistent with international standards such as the International Conference of Harmonization Good Clinical Practices (GCP) which are endorsed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. GCP is a process that incorporates established ethical and scientific quality standards for the design, conduct, recording and reporting of clinical research involving the participation of human subjects. Compliance with GCP provides public assurance that the rights, safety, and well-being of research subjects are protected and respected, consistent with the principles stated in the Declaration of Helsinki and other internationally-recognized ethical guidelines, and ensures the integrity of clinical research data.