Nestlé destroyed part of its Perrier water production “as a precaution” after heavy rains

Nestlé destroyed part of its production of Perrier bottled water after noting a deterioration in the quality of the water in one of its wells in Gard, suspended until further notice, the subsidiary announced on Wednesday April 24 Nestlé Waters to AFP. “Several batches of bottles”which is the equivalent of “several hundred pallets” usually delivered to the store, have been destroyed “as a precaution”explains the group.

Nestlé evokes a “punctual microbiological deviation” appeared following “very heavy rain” linked to Storm Monica which hit the south of France in mid-March. Questioned by AFP, the subsidiary of the world leader in agri-food did not specify the nature of the contamination but assured that “all bottles on the market are safe to consume”.

Exploitation “will resume at the appropriate time”

Nestlé Waters also did not specify the exact volume of bottles destroyed. “Some references” of the Perrier brand will be available “in less quantity”, the company simply clarified. The well whose operation has been suspended is located in Vergèze, where Perrier brand water is historically drawn. It is the subject of a “reinforced surveillance” and its exploitation “will resume at the appropriate time under the control of the authorities”.

Nestlé, also owner in France of the Vittel, Contrex and Hépar brands, has been under pressure since the end of January, when it admitted to having used prohibited treatments on some of its waters to maintain their quality. On April 11, the Senate launched a parliamentary information mission which intends to “shedding light on the failings of the State” regarding the control of bottled water manufacturers.