PepsiCo looking to reduce sugar content in soft drinks: Badal

Says the company's Chairman was open to the idea of playing a role in enhancing the nutritional value of meals provided under the midday scheme

Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal today said global food and beverages major PepsiCo is looking to bring down sugar contents in its softdrinks.

Badal met PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi here.

"In soft drinks they (PepsiCo) are looking at how to bring down the sugar content (but) that same cold drink has the taste but healthy contents in it," the Minister said after the meeting.

Nooyi, however, did not comment and only said her visit to India was "wonderful".

The Minister also added that the PepsiCo Chairman was open to the idea of playing a role in enhancing the nutritional value of meals provided under the government's midday scheme.

"I have suggested if they could come up for midday meal scheme in rural areas as malnutrition is big issue... Some of these packed meals which could enhance the nutrition value and which provide for iron deficiency they were interested in that they said they would look into that," Badal said.

Badal said she discussed with Nooyi on how to contribute in giving healthy food in tiffins for school going children.

"I have suggested there is huge potential for providing healthy meals for children in their tiffins and something which is healthy and could be done quickly in the morning," she added.

Badal also said they also discussed about a number of women-related issues and added, "I think she (Nooyi) is one of the icons for the all Indian women. She is inspiration to every women as she has risen to the heights on the sheer ability of her capabilities.