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Nestlé's waters division should consider ending production at its Vergèze site due to health risks, according to a confidential report from the regional health agency Agence Régional de Santé Occitanie (ARS).
The report, viewed by Le Monde and Radio France, allegedly recommended "stopping production of mineral water at the Vergèze site" in the south of France.
The review, completed in August by ARS after its probe of the site in May, said the company should consider halting production due to health risks from the worsening state of water catchments, which could pose virological risks.
The ARS reportedly recommended the group should "consider strategically another possible food use for the current mineral water catchments" if "additional health and safety guarantees" are put in place.
Responding to the story, the Vittel maker said the assessment was "a preliminary administrative report, which has since been supplemented by the technical clarifications provided by Nestlé Waters regarding all the points raised".
The document "does not constitute a definitive recommendation on the operating conditions of our mineral water site in Vergèze", it said.
Nestlé added that the findings did "not call into question the food safety of our bottled waters", adding: "All waters produced by Nestlé Waters, including under the Perrier brand, can be consumed safely.
"Furthermore, as part of this report, the mission acknowledged the measures implemented by Nestlé Waters in its water quality management system, which includes an enhanced quality control procedure to continue ensuring the food safety of our products under all circumstances."
Nestlé's water business in France has seen a turbulent year. In April, the Swiss food and drink giant suspended a well at its Vergèze site, which is used to supply Perrier bottled water, as a result of contamination.
This resulted in the company having to throw away “several batches” of Perrier water. A spokesperson told Just Drinks at the time all products delivered to customers and available on-shelf were safe to drink.
Reports at the time from Le Monde also indicated that faecal bacteria was found in the well.
Le Monde, citing French news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP), said local government officials had granted Nestlé a formal notice to “immediately suspend” operations at the water site, which had been contaminated since 10 March 2024.
Reports then emerged in June claiming Nestlé had suspended production at two water wells for disinfection.