Coca-Cola's chief scientific and regulatory officer stepping down

New York

COCA-COLA'S top scientist is stepping down following revelations that the beverage giant initiated a strategy of funding scientific research that played down the role of Coke products in the spread of obesity.

Rhona S Applebaum, Coke's chief science and health officer, helped orchestrate the establishment of a non-profit group known as the Global Energy Balance Network.

The group's members were university scientists who encouraged the public to focus on exercise and worry less about how calories from food and beverages contribute to obesity.

Coca-Cola spent US$1.5 million last year to support the group, including a US$1 million grant …