Douglas E. Henley, CEO and executive vice president of the AAFP, said on Friday that the organization intends to separate funding sources from the content they support, adding, “There’s a thick, rigid firewall between the two” Henley said. He emphasized that the web content would be based on peer-reviewed literature, summarized by internal AAFP staff and outside medical experts.

“We certainly intend to point to the literature that links sugared beverages to other health conditions like obesity, dental care, and diabetes,” he said.

Henley said he appreciated Willett’s letter, but the AAFP has no plans to return Coca-Cola’s grant.

“Hold us accountable for the unbiased content we intend to develop, rather than just rushing to judgment on the partnership,” he said.

The Nutrition Source, created without industry funding, is maintained by HSPH faculty members, a dietician, and a science writer. A section entitled “Choosing Healthy Beverages” offers advice on controlling sugared beverage consumption.

Willett has publicly advocated against the distribution of high-calorie, high-sugar soft drinks in schools for years.

“Sugared beverages are at the top of the list [of threats to national health], along with smoking,” he said.

HSPH Professor of Epidemiology and Nutrition Meir J. Stampfer was unaware of Willet’s letter, but co-signed an anti-Consumer Alliance letter addressed to Henley from the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

“It’s clear that [Coca-Cola’s] intention is to influence the marketing for sugared beverage products,” Stampfer said.

The Coca-Cola Company could not be reached for comment.