The French government has instructed Perrier to dispose of two million bottles of its sparkling water due to alleged contamination with faecal bacteria, according to the public health agency on Thursday (Apr 25).
Swiss food giant Nestle is facing new challenges in its ongoing Perrier water saga as French authorities are investigating alleged illegal purification methods at Nestle’s French water subsidiary.
Health authorities have instructed Nestle Waters France to dispose of all Perrier production from March 10 to 14 from one of its sources near Nimes, according to the health agency’s document. Nestle stated that nearly two million bottles were disposed of as a precautionary measure and assured that Perrier bottles in stores are safe.
The company acknowledged using UV lamps, carbon filtering, and other methods not permitted for “natural” mineral waters
Earlier this month, regional authorities ordered Nestle Waters France to immediately halt production at one of its sources near Nimes, as reported by AFP. The order was issued due to faecal contamination registered on March 10. Nestle also owns the Vittel, Contrex, and Hepar brands.
In January, French prosecutors initiated an investigation into Nestle’s purification methods. The company acknowledged using UV lamps, carbon filtering, and other methods not permitted for “natural” mineral waters. The sources for Vittel, Contrex, and Hepar brands are located in eastern France. Prosecutors began the investigation after it was disclosed that Nestle used unauthorized purification methods on water labelled as natural mineral water, including UV lamps and carbon filters, which are not allowed under French regulations for this category.
The health authority stated that after further checks, some water sources in eastern and southern France were reclassified as water made drinkable through treatment.
“Before these closures, these catchments were treated fraudulently by the operator,” the French health agency said.
The investigation has stunned the whole of France’s water industry.
Antoine de Saint-Affrique, director general of French food company Danone, informed during the company’s annual shareholders meeting on Thursday that its natural mineral water sources are now facing extremely rigorous monitoring.