Bottled Water Contaminated with Caustic Soda Injures Two at French Brasserie

A woman suffered severe internal burns after drinking the water, prompting an investigation into the source of the contamination.

A 46-year-old woman was hospitalized with severe internal burns after consuming bottled water contaminated with caustic soda at a brasserie in Plan-de-Campagne, near Marseille.
A server who tasted the water to verify the issue also sustained burns to the mouth, though both victims are now reported to be out of life-threatening danger.
Caustic soda, a highly corrosive chemical commonly used for cleaning and unclogging drains, was identified as the contaminant in the water by hospital laboratory tests.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether the chemical was present in the sealed bottle or introduced after opening, with potential production, distribution, or handling errors under scrutiny.
The regional health agency and local authorities have been notified, and the investigation is being led by the Division of Territorial Crime in the Bouches-du-Rhône.