Escherichia coli, eternal pollutants… In a report sent to the government in October, obtained by Le Monde and franceinfo, Anses (National Health Safety Agency) notes “an insufficient level of confidence” in the health quality of mineral water sources natural product from the Nestlé group (Perrier, Contrex, Vittel, Hépar, etc.). Le Parisien obtained confirmation this Thursday morning of the existence and content of this note.
In this report, ANSES reports microbiological contamination with coliform bacteria, E coli bacteria or even enterococcal bacteria, which can cause certain diseases in humans. On the Nestlé site in Gard, five of the seven drillings would be affected, reports Le Monde. The report notes "the apparently transient occurrence of microbiological contamination of fecal origin" in certain bottled waters, on the Vosges site (where Vittel, Contrex and Hépar waters are produced) as well as on the Gard (Perrier) site.
Also read: Eternal pollutants: alert on tap water in “Tefal City”… and elsewhere
PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, nicknamed perennial pollutants), and other micropollutants and pesticides have also been found in some waters. “The amounts of pesticides vary but can exceed 0.1 micrograms per liter for certain catchments,” writes ANSES.
“Multiple reports of contamination”
A reinforced monitoring plan for the group's factories is requested by the Health Agency, "considering the multiple findings of contamination of fecal origin", "the notable chronic presence of micropollutants" and "the absence of parameters allowing monitoring of the viral contamination of water. These anomalies “should not lead to the production of bottled water”, writes ANSES.
Nestlé was singled out last January for using prohibited treatments on mineral water, including ultraviolet light and activated carbon filters to maintain “their food safety”. However, regulations prohibit any disinfection of mineral waters, which must be naturally healthy. The cessation of these treatments had forced Nestlé to suspend the activity of some of its wells in the Vosges.