Will Perrier lose its natural mineral water label? According to an investigation by Radio France and the Mondethe risk seems very significant. To the point that the evening daily explains that there is “hardly room for another outcome. »
The two media evoke a confidential report from the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Occitanie, alarming about the quality of the water used in the production of the millions of bottles produced each year on the Vergèze site (Gard). Which employs around a thousand people. According to this survey, the report “is alarmed by a potential virological risk for consumers”. The ARS would consider, for the first time, “a cessation of the production of natural mineral water on the Vergèze site”.
“Virological risk”
Quality controls carried out by the Nestlé group, owner of the brand, reportedly present microbiological results “unusual for natural mineral water”, marked by the presence of microorganisms in raw water. “What the regulations strictly prohibit,” specify the media.
In order to bring the water up to standard, Nestlé would use microfiltration treatment. A method described as “non-regulatory” by the report. Which points to a “virological risk”, the microfilters used not having “a retention effect on viruses”.
According to The World and Radio France, the Swiss group would have admitted to the government in 2021 that it had used numerous prohibited filters. However, despite the negative opinions of several administrations, authorization would have been given, in 2023, to the Swiss multinational to use non-compliant microfilters. “If this information is proven, what Nestlé negotiated with the ministers, who validated it on the sly, was not a plan of transformation, but of manipulation,” worries Alexandre Ouizille, socialist senator from Oise , at the origin of the Senate commission of inquiry devoted to this affair.
Contacted by The World and Radio France, Nestlé specifies “operating the Vergèze site in accordance with the framework set by the authorities and under their control”. The industry group believes this investigation “refers to a preliminary administrative report.” Nestlé Waters “subsequently provided its comments and clarifications. We cannot comment as we are not aware of the final report. »
Our file on the Nestlé group
The Gard prefecture must rule on the request for renewal of authorization to operate the Perrier source to produce natural mineral water, filed in October 2023 by Nestlé. According to Radio France and The Worldit could make its decision during the first half of 2025 after receiving an “opinion from hydrogeologists approved in matters of public hygiene”, complementary to the ARS report, explain the two media.
