I posted earlier this morning about "U" Week, but had to interrupt my regularly scheduled posting to share some awesome news!!! God is so good...and boycotts work!!
See below for the great news!
Now to tackle big Pharma...
For Immediate Release: April 30, 2012
Boycott Ends: PepsiCo will not use aborted fetal cell lines for flavor enhancers
(Largo, Fl) Children of God for Life announced today the
stunning news that PepsiCo will not use aborted fetal cell line HEK-293
(human embryonic kidney) in their contractual agreement with Senomyx to
develop flavor enhancers for their beverages.
Children of
God for Life’s Executive Director, Debi Vinnedge, hailed PepsiCo’s
decision as a major breakthrough and achievement by thousands of
concerned consumers who have been writing and boycotting PepsiCo
beverages since last May.
In a letter to Children of God for Life,
PepsiCo’s VP of Global Public Policy, Paul Boykas stated that “Senomyx
will not use HEK cells or any other tissues or cell lines derived from
human embryos or fetuses for research performed on behalf of PepsiCo.”
“We are
absolutely thrilled with PepsiCo’s decision,” stated Mrs. Vinnedge.
“They have listened to their customers and have made both a wise and
profound statement of corporate integrity that deserves the utmost
respect, admiration and support of the public.”
In speaking
with Mr. Boykas, Vinnedge noted that the company had conducted internal
discussions, recognizing it was a highly sensitive and controversial
subject that quite frankly, was not in the best interests of PepsiCo. “We took the
matter very seriously,” stated Mr. Boykas. “We have an official
Statement on Responsible Research and we intend to live by that policy.”
That policy
precludes any research by PepsiCo - or third parties they fund – from
using human tissue or cell lines derived from embryos or fetuses. The decision
means an immediate end to the boycott that began in May 2011- welcome
news to both PepsiCo and their customers who have abstained from their
favorite beverages in protest.
“We
are grateful to PepsiCo and especially to all those who sent a loud and
clear message to the management of this company. It’s incumbent upon us
to closely monitor the situation to be sure that PepsiCo remains true
to their word,” said Brad Mattes, Executive Director of Life Issues
Institute, one of thirty five prolife organizations that joined Children
of God for Life in the boycott. “There are moral cell lines Senomyx can
and should be using – not just for PepsiCo research but for all their
customers.”
Senomyx
receives royalties for products sold using their ingredients. If they
do not use aborted fetal cell lines, they offend no one; if they do,
they most certainly offend at least half of US consumers who are
prolife. But Children of God for Life also heard from a number of women
who stated they were pro choice yet this use of aborted fetal cell
lines, crossed the line and angered them as well.
“If
for no other reason, it only makes financial sense for both Senomyx and
their collaborators to avoid a substantial loss of potential market,”
Vinnedge said. “Senomyx needs to stop using the aborted fetal cell lines
entirely and we will continue to pressure them to do so.”
Vinnedge
is strongly encouraging the public to take one more important step:
write to PepsiCo and thank them – and then go buy your favorite Pepsi
products to celebrate!
“Too
often we seem to focus on the negatives and forget to take the time to
let others know we appreciate their efforts”, stated Vinnedge. “It is
our sincere hope that the public will once again rise to the occasion en
masse as they did in the boycott – but this time in appreciation and
support of PepsiCo.”
For more information visit: www.cogforlife.org/
Also, please take the time to contact Pepsi and THANK them for doing the right thing. Click HERE to email them directly through their website.
Also, please take the time to contact Pepsi and THANK them for doing the right thing. Click HERE to email them directly through their website.
