If you like it then you should have put a ring (pull) on it... CSPI to Beyonce: Stop promoting Pepsi Cola, you're 'literally sickening Americans'

In a letter​ to the singer, CSPI executive director Michael Jacobson said: “You occupy a unique position in the cultural life of this country and are an inspiring role model for millions of young people…​

“Your image is one of success, health, talent, fitness, and glamor. But by lending your name and image to PepsiCo, you are associating those positive attributes with a product that is quite literally sickening Americans.”​

He added: "We doubt that PepsiCo would spend $50m unless it was confident that it could recoup  many more times that amount by selling disease-promoting products to your fans, both young and old... I respectfully urge you to reconsider."​

Marion Nestle: 'This is a clear win for Pepsi. And a clear loss for public health'​

In a Q&A with writer Kerry Trueman posted on Civileats.com​ and the Huffington Post​, Marion Nestle, professor in the department of nutrition, food studies and public health at New York University, said: "From where I sit, Beyoncé has crossed an ethical line. She is now pushing soft drinks on the very kids whose health is most at risk. ​

"Her partnership with Pepsi will make public health measures to counter obesity even more difficult. This is a clear win for Pepsi. And a clear loss for public health.​

"Beyoncé has now become the world’s most prominent spokesperson for poor diets, obesity and its health consequences, and marketing targeted to the most vulnerable populations."​

The percentage of American children drinking carbonated soft drinks has declined noticeably since 2006​

The CSPI, which recently launched a provocative video​ featuring soda-guzzling diabetic bears to highlight the perils of excess soda consumption, ​has repeatedly called for action at a state and federal level to try and curb soda consumption, and claims that "each additional sugary drink consumed per day increases the likelihood of a child becoming obese by 60%".​

However, according to data unveiled in October at the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE), the percentage of American children drinking carbonated soft drinks has actually declined noticeably across all age groups since 2006: FNCE hot topic: The percentage of American kids drinking soda has dropped noticeably since 2006​

Collaboration is lead example of how Pepsi is pioneering a new way for brands to engage with musical artists​

As part of her deal, Beyoncé will star in a new 'Live for Now' TV ad in 2013 and perform at the Pepsi Halftime Show during the February 3 Super Bowl; while her image will appear on print ads, promotional materials in stores and on some cans of Pepsi in Europe.

In a fact sheet outlining the scope of its collaboration with Beyoncé, PepsiCo says that Pepsi has had a relationship with the singer for more than a decade and says their new "creative and wide-ranging global collaboration​" is "the lead example of how Pepsi is pioneering a new way for brands to engage with musical artists, moving from sponsor to partner".​

FoodNavigator-USA has contacted PepsiCo and Beyonce's spokesperson for comment.