ATLANTA — The Coca-Cola Co. denied any wrongdoing after a Jan. 9 article from Politico said Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, Inc. were under preliminary investigation by the Federal Trade Commission over potential price discrimination in the soft drink market.

“The Coca-Cola Co.is committed to fair and lawful competition in the marketplace,” Coca-Cola said. “Any assertion that the company has done anything unlawful with respect to the sale and distribution of its products is unfounded, and we are prepared to defend any specific accusations accordingly.”

PepsiCo, Purchase, NY, as of Jan. 11 had yet to respond to a request for comment.

The FTC is investigating PepsiCo and Coca-Cola under the Robinson-Patman Act, which prohibits suppliers from offering better prices to large retailers at the expense of smaller retailers, according to Politico.