Soda makers Coca-Cola (KO), PepsiCo (PEP), and Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) are lobbying to prevent incoming Health and Human Services chief Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from removing their drinks from the food stamp program, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday.

According to the report, Kennedy plans to remove soda and processed foods from federal programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Coca-Cola and Pepsi's lobbyists on Capitol Hill are arguing that the companies are selling more zero-sugar drinks, and labeling on their products help consumers make healthier choices, the report said.

Coca-Cola is reportedly planning to hire additional lobbyists with close relationships to incoming US President Donald Trump. The big soda companies are also trying to hire lobbyists who can get in front of people close to Kennedy and Brooke Rollins, who has been tapped to head the Agriculture Department, which administers SNAP benefits, the Journal said.

Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Keurig Dr Pepper did not immediately respond to requests for comment from MT Newswires.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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