The charge is severe: in a report dated at the end of summer, the regional health agency (ARS) of Occitanie invites Nestlé Waters to “question” the future of its natural mineral water site of Vergèze (Gard) – the only source from which the famous Perrier comes – according to revelations this Monday Monde and the investigation unit of Radio France. Nearly a thousand people work there.
Virological risk and bacterial contamination
At issue: microbiological results “unusual for natural mineral water” with “a virological risk” for consumers, and “bacterial contaminations” which, although “punctual”, are considered “unacceptable”. Mad ? Not really: the ARS is even considering for the first time “a cessation of the production of natural mineral water on the Vergèze site”.
As a reminder, natural mineral water must come from an underground source, come from areas protected from all pollution, and display stable minerality over time. It must also be healthy without the slightest chemical treatment or disinfection… not even “ultraviolet or activated carbon”, which caused other setbacks for Nestlé Waters at the start of the year, as a spokesperson for the company confirms to us. band. As for microfiltration, used on Perrier thanks to relaxed regulations in 2023, it is “not regulatory” according to the ARS. However, if a “natural mineral water” no longer meets these very strict conditions, its producer has only two choices: stop production, or do something else with the resource.
What future for Vergèze?
What will happen to the Perrier de Vergèze site? For the moment, Nestlé Waters refuses to comment on “an interim report” from the ARS: “As part of a contradictory approach, the company has provided its answers and details to the various points raised”, replies us a spokesperson. Who insists: the site is not “stopped”, and will not “stop tomorrow”. Not at a standstill, but to produce what? Without responding – while waiting for the famous “final report” – Nestlé Waters details its “transformation plan” for the site, which is based on “two pillars: mineral waters [naturelles] and drinks”, sold under the brand… “Maison Perrier”. “Drinks of another nature”, such as flavored sparkling water, for example.
The interest in Nestlé is obvious: continue to exploit the resource – and its famous name – in the event that natural mineral water is condemned. But, this time, by treating the water legally, without the regulatory constraints of natural mineral water.
Officially, there is no question of it today. Ensuring that its products meet all health and regulatory conditions, Nestlé Waters intends to “ensure the sustainability of the site and ensure the food safety of the products in all circumstances”. While emphasizing the plan to “modernize and prepare the site for the future”…
France
