On April 18, 2025, concerns escalated regarding the Perrier factory in Vergèze, Gard, following revelations of new contamination episodes. Joffrey Léon, the mayor of the nearby town of Uchaud, expressed his alarm over the implications of these findings for local employment and industry. "It would be terrible if our generation were to end this industrial tool," he stated during an interview with Franceinfo.
The contamination, reported by Radio France's investigative unit and the newspaper Le Monde, involves the detection of pathogenic intestinal bacteria, specifically enterobacteria, in some 75-centiliter bottles produced at the Perrier facility. This has led to approximately 300,000 bottles being blocked, with further concerns that hundreds of thousands more 50-centiliter bottles could also be affected.
Léon emphasized that while the health of consumers is the top priority, the potential closure of the factory could have devastating consequences for the local economy. "A closure would mean a thousand families would be left without jobs, along with all the subcontractors," he lamented. He pointed out that despite the contamination, there have been no reported sanitary issues for consumers, stressing the importance of transparency in the situation.
According to the Agence Régionale de Santé (ARS) d’Occitanie, the health agency overseeing the situation, discussions are ongoing regarding the future of the Perrier label. The agency has indicated that a complete destruction of the affected bottles might be necessary. Nestlé, the parent company of Perrier, has stated that these issues are merely "simple internal quality management measures independent of the water quality at the source" and reassured that "all products placed on the market are safe." However, skepticism remains due to past incidents.
This is not the first time the Perrier brand has faced contamination challenges. In 2024, Nestlé was forced to destroy three million bottles due to similar bacterial contamination issues. The ARS has criticized Nestlé for failing to notify health authorities promptly, with a ten-day delay reported between the detection of bacteria and the notification to the ARS.
As the situation unfolds, the prefect of Gard, Jérôme Bonet, is expected to make a crucial decision regarding the renewal of the authorization to exploit the Vergèze source under the designation of natural mineral water. The loss of this designation would have far-reaching implications for the Perrier brand, which has been synonymous with natural mineral water for over a century.
Léon expressed his fears about the potential loss of the "eaux minérales naturelles" (natural mineral waters) label, stating, "If we were to lose this label, it would threaten the entire Perrier factory." He underscored that the label is foundational to the Perrier brand, which has been marketed as a premium product in both local and international markets.
Moreover, Alexandre Ouizille, a senator involved in the inquiry into bottled water scandals, noted that the end of Perrier being marketed as a drinking water may be on the horizon, particularly under the misleading designation of "eau minérale naturelle." He highlighted that approximately 50% of the production at the Vergèze site is no longer marketed as natural mineral water.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Nestlé has announced plans for an internal audit to address its practices and ensure compliance with health regulations. The company has also launched a new brand, "Maison Perrier," which offers sparkling beverages that do not carry the natural mineral water designation. This move is seen as an attempt to mitigate the fallout from the contamination issues and restore consumer confidence.
The ARS has indicated that they are prepared to take stringent measures if necessary, including recommending that the production of natural mineral water at Vergèze be halted entirely if the purity of the water cannot be guaranteed. This would effectively mean the disappearance of the Perrier brand as it is known today.
As the investigation continues, the implications for local employment and the Perrier brand's future remain uncertain. The mayor of Uchaud and other local officials are advocating for a resolution that prioritizes public health while also safeguarding the industrial heritage and economic stability of the region.
In summary, the recent contamination revelations at the Perrier factory in Vergèze have raised serious concerns about the future of the brand and its impact on local employment. With potential regulatory actions looming, the community watches closely as discussions unfold regarding the fate of one of France's most iconic mineral water brands.
