Kozhikode: PepsiCo and Indian Medical Association (IMA) have endorsed a deal in food promotion. 

The tie-up of the Indian snack foods arm of the company, Frito Lay, and IMA raises many doubts in people. As per the deal, PepsiCo products will get IMA's stamp of approval.  

In return the company will sponsor the events and public programs of IMA. Both partys claim that this is not a commercial deal. But recommending  a particular brand of food item may lead to spoil the image of IMA. Which represents 1,75000 Indian doctors. 

According to the sources, this is a promotional deal for three years. Tropicana juice and Quarker oats is the promotional product of PepsiCo supported by IMA. Drinking juice is good for health. Oats are also proved to be a good healthy stuff. But when it comes to a deal with multinational brand, IMAs morality can be questioned.  

As a medical organization, IMA should follow the ethical side before taking any decision.

IMA has recognition among public for promoting values in public health. They can raise fund in another way without joining hand with a multinational consumer company.  

People can opt to buy or not to buy the multinational products. But when IMA is recommending a brand, the consumer's may be confused. They may be compelled to buy the IMA recommended brand for they have a trust in our doctors. But PepsiCo may move as they wish. They can alter any change in their products according to their market scope and profitability. 

The periodical monitoring of the product quality is a huge responsibility on the part of IMA. Any failure may lead to severe heath problems for public and that may cause irreparable damage to IMA's image.

Please write your comment on our Binsar.com Forum