Nestlé Perrier Plant Faces Potential Shutdown Over Water Quality Concerns

A French health authority highlights regulatory violations and contamination risks at the Perrier bottling site in Vergèze, raising questions about the future of its production.

The French health agency ARS Occitanie has deemed the water quality at Nestlé's Perrier site in Vergèze insufficient for producing natural mineral water, citing contamination and regulatory breaches.
Inspectors identified bacterial contamination, including fecal bacteria, and the use of microfiltration, which is not compliant with regulations for natural mineral water production.
The ARS report highlights a potential virological risk to consumers, as the microfilters used by Nestlé do not effectively block viruses such as norovirus and hepatitis A.
The agency has suggested Nestlé consider repurposing its water sources for other food-related uses or non-mineral water products, as the current production practices fail to meet required standards.
The future of the Perrier plant, which employs 1,000 workers, depends on a decision by the Gard prefecture regarding the renewal of its operating license, expected in early 2025.