Coca-Cola, Pepsi Investors Reject Sweetener Health Risks Bid (1)

Coca-Cola and Pepsi shareholders on Wednesday rejected proposals calling for a report on the potential health risks of non-sugar sweeteners.

The proposals are part of a new investor effort asking companies to take a closer look at how artificial sweeteners like aspartame could ultimately harm consumers’ health. In previous years, shareholders pressured the soft-drink makers to disclose the health risks of sugar-filled products rather than those using non-sugar sweeteners.

The proposal at Coca-Cola received 10.74% of investor support, while it received 11% at Pepsi.

The bids at both beverage companies asked for third-party reports on their efforts to mitigate potential ...