Perrier, Contrex, Vittel… the presence of E. coli bacteria and pesticides confirmed in Nestlé natural mineral waters

Selon l'expertise, la contamination des ressources est généralisée, dans la région Grand Est (Hépar, Vittel et Contrex) ou en Occitanie (Perrier). montage midi libre – photos MAXPPP

A new document from the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES), unveiled by franceinfo and Le Monde this Thursday, April 4, 2024, confirms the widespread contamination of the Nestlé group's natural mineral water sources in France.

An expertise was carried out for the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES) on the natural mineral water sources of the Nestlé group in France. This note was sent to the government in October 2023. Our colleagues from Monde and France info reveal the main conclusions this Thursday April 4, 2024.

"Insufficient level of confidence"

They are final, according to our colleagues. The non-conformities detected attest to an insufficient "level of confidence" to ensure " the health quality of finished products", namely natural mineral waters marketed by the Nestlé group.

The report also points to the presence of chemical contaminants, notably PFAS, eternal pollutants and pesticides and their degradation products.

Widespread contamination

Contamination of resources is widespread, in the Grand Est region (Hépar, Vittel and Contrex) or in Occitanie (Perrier).

The expertise mentions regular microbiological contamination such as coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli or even enterococci on numerous wells. This presence was able to reach "on several occasions a high concentration", quote our colleagues. However, mineral water regulations do not tolerate the presence of any bacteria in the water.

"Fecal origin"

Experts from the Nancy hydrology laboratory recommend that the authorities implement a reinforced monitoring plan for Nestlé factories, "considering the multiple findings of contaminations of fecal origin", "the notable chronic presence of micropollutants", and "the absence of a parameter allowing the monitoring of viral contamination of water".

For experts, these non-compliances "should not lead to the production of bottled water".

At the end of January 2024, the Nestlé group responded to our colleagues at Franceinfo that the health safety of their products "has always been guaranteed and remains our absolute priority&quot ;.