"We are open to working with CSE and any other interested party to establish stricter science-based standards on finished products.

"We would welcome the opportunity to meet with CSE and any other interested party to discuss details of our methods and to gain a clearer understanding of theirs, to decide on a clear way forward in the interest of developing finished product standards for consumer safety," Pepsi said in a statement.

"We are open to stricter regulations in the interest of consumer safety... This provided, there is an accurate, validated and agreed upon detection method to verify compliance," Pepsi said.

The company claimed that its products complied with Indian and international regulations, including the regulations for carbonated soft drinks notified by the Health Ministry on July 15, 2004. Pepsi said that in the interest of consumer safety, it was "open to stricter science-based regulations."

"The safety of our products results from carefully restricting, and testing for, pesticide residues in our ingredients, an approach endorsed by authoritative bodies that regulate agricultural residues around the world," the cola giant said.

The company said it analysed water, sugar and flavourings in its products in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Joint Parliamentary Committee.

"We will continue discussing with the government and with other interested parties to establish stricter science-based, accurate, validated and agreed upon method to verify compliance in finished products," it said.