At an inquest in Invercargill in April, the court was told by the partner of mother-of-eight Natasha Marie Harris (30), who died on February 25, 2010, that she behaved as if she were addicted to Coca-Cola.
Ms Harris' partner, Chris Hodgkinson, told the court she had been unwell up to a year before her death, vomiting six times a week. But he, Ms Harris and family members believed her ill-health was from the stress of managing her eight children and gynaecological problems.
"The first thing she would do in the morning was have a drink of Coke and the last thing she would do in the day was have a drink of Coke by her bed," he said.
Coca-Cola Oceania yesterday reiterated comments made in April that excessive consumption of any drink, including water, could be harmful and that the foundation of good nutrition was balance, variety and moderation.
The ruling yesterday from Otago-Southland coroner David Crerar said counsel for Coca-Cola South Pacific Pty and Coca-Cola Oceania had since requested the opportunity to present further evidence.
They asked for the release of autopsy samples, so they could be referred to another forensic pathologist for testing and comment.
Further evidence may lead to another inquest hearing.
The ruling by Mr Crerar said a refusal to grant the application could be a breach of natural justice.
The Otago Daily Times asked Coca-Cola Oceania why it changed its mind, why testing samples would be referred to another forensic pathologist, and what further information the company hoped to gather.
The company declined to answer but issued a statement.
"At the coronial hearing in April 2012, a number of questions were asked about the nature and effect of Ms Harris' reported consumption of 'Coca-Cola' product beyond those set out in the pathologist's report."
The company said it then requested to work with medical specialists to further investigate these questions and provide the coroner with a "comprehensive review".
As the coroner had not issued any findings, it was not appropriate to comment further, it said.
Pathologist Dr Dan Mornin told the inquest Ms Harris died of cardiac arrhythmia, and believed she had severe hypokalemia - a lack of potassium in the blood - probably relating to excessive consumption of soft drink.
It was likely her daily vomiting was due to too much caffeine, medically known as caffeine toxicity.
Dr Mornin said the combination of factors, including poor diet, probably played a role in her death.
Mr Crerar ordered the release of all samples taken during the postmortem examination of Ms Harris to the pathologist consulted by the company. The report commissioned by Coca-Cola would be forwarded to the coroner and counsel for Ms Harris' family.
All costs associated with the requested testing would be met by Coca-Cola.
The company has to submit its report by August 31.
