After studies revealing the presence of large quantities of plastic particles in water bottles, Nestlé reassures consumers this Friday, April 5.
“Every bottle that leaves our sites can be drunk by consumers in complete safety.” After the publication of a study in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, which revealed that plastic bottles contain plastic particles in large quantities, the president of Nestlé FranceMuriel Lienau, wanted to reassure consumers.
The group, owner of Vittel, Perrier, Contrex and Hépar bottled waters, announced this Friday, April 5, that it had “intensified surveillance” of its French drilling “under the control of the authorities” to guarantee health quality. of its products, relays BFMTV.
Possibly harmful effects on health
The study in question showed that water from plastic bottles contains up to 100 times more tiny plastic particles than previously estimated. While 36 million bottles are drunk every day in France, this new discovery alerted the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES). According to its investigations, carried out on animals, the agency highlights harmful effects on metabolism, the intestine, brain development, damage to genetic material or even cellular respiration, which can lead to early death, specifies the site d ‘information.
Thus, if Nestlé guarantees “the health quality of its mineral waters”, researchers invite consumers to turn to alternatives. “It is reasonable to consider tap water,” comments Beizhan Yan, co-author of the study. Scientists also hope to test tap water, which also contains microplastics, but apparently in smaller quantities, explains BFMTV.
However, they recall that “the risk of dehydration may be greater than the potential consequences of exposure to nanoplastics” and emphasize the importance of drinking water, even bottled water.