French bottled water contaminated, updated

About the recent recall of two million bottles of mineral water from a prominent French brand due to contamination by fecal bacteria in one of its production facilities located in Vergèze, Gard, France, comprehensive analyses have revealed the presence of various coliform bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are known to cause gastrointestinal ailments. According to media reports, the contamination was first noted on 10 March 2024 and is believed to have been caused by an exceptional weather event known as “Storm Monica” that occurred during the weekend of 10 March in the south-east of France. This weather event was characterised by intense rainfall. The manufacturing company that owns the trademark has made this declaration. The manufacturing company has sought to allay public concerns regarding the healthiness of the water packages currently on the market. However, further investigations are underway to ascertain the quality of the water taken from some wells involved in the bacterial contamination.